Followed old Dad’s advice and took the Mask.
He knew in Martial Life that Truth no jest is,
Their Courts of Honour were their Courts of Justice.
He would, if possible, the Truth relate,
Devoid of malice, naught extenuate.
Dad would his secret keep, he could depend;
As for himself, he meant not to offend:
But should perchance his secret be let out,
’Twas a mere Bagatelle to laugh about.
Should he in Metaphoric style transpose