A cunning never to dishonour lent,
And rather for defence than conquest meant;
’Twas fear of power, with some desire to rise,
But not enough to make him enemies;
He ever aim’d to please; and to offend
Was ever cautious; for he sought a friend;
Yet for the friendship never much would pay,
Content to bow, be silent, and obey,
And by a soothing suff’rance find his way.
Fiddling and fishing were his arts: at times