“Hark how the old fox is praising himself all along on the sly,” said Cary.
“Mr. William, Mr. William, peace;—silentium, my graceless pupil. Urge the foaming steed, and strike terror into the rapid stag, but meddle not with matters too high for thee.”
“He has given you the dor now, sir,” said Lady Bath; “let the old man say his say.”
“I bring, therefore, as my small contribution to this day's feast; first a Latin epigram, as thus—”
“Latin? Let us hear it forthwith,” cried my lady.
And the old pedant mouthed out—
“Torriguiam Tamaris ne spernat; Leighius addet
Mox terras terris, inclyte Drake, tuis.”
“Neat, i' faith, la!” Whereon all the rest, as in duty bound, approved also.
“This for the erudite: for vulgar ears the vernacular is more consonant, sympathetic, instructive; as thus:—
“Famed Argo ship, that noble chip, by doughty Jason's steering,
Brought back to Greece the golden fleece, from Colchis home
careering;
But now her fame is put to shame, while new Devonian Argo,
Round earth doth run in wake of sun, and brings wealthier cargo.”