University of Virginia Library

“So be it,” said the wise Corinthian;
“And here, O King, I make myself thy man—
May the Gods make us faithful; but if worse
Must happen, on his head all fall the curse
Who does the wrong!—Now for thy part see thou
That we who go have everything enow;
Nor think to hear too soon of victory,
For though a spliced staff e'en as strong may be
As one ne'er broken, lean thou not thereon
Till o'er the narrow way thy feet have won
And thou mayst try it on the level grass.
Now give me leave, for I am fain to pass
Thy men in order by me, and to find
How best thy wounded honour I may bind.”