That he could more than think his Father wrong;
For, wrong or right, that father still profess’d
The most obedient son should fare the best.
So time pass’d on; the second spring appear’d,
Ere Richard ventured on the deed he fear’d.—
He dared at length; and not so much for love,
I grieve to add, but that he meant to prove
He had a will.—His father, in reply,
This known, had answer’d, “So, my son, have I.”
But Richard’s courage was by prudence taught, 270