There the rude lads compell’d the child to fight,
And sent him bleeding to his home at night;
At this the Grandam more indulgent grew;
And bade her Darling “shun the beastly crew,
Whom Satan ruled, and who were sure to lie
Howling in torments, when they came to die.”
This was such comfort, that in high disdain
He told their fate, and felt their blows again:
Yet if the Boy had not a hero’s heart,
Within the school he play’d a better part;