And the best counsels of the wise o’erthrew.

XVII.

Thus, when the senate dared resist his sway,

He still gained triumph with the multitude;

Till now the chiefs, half yielding to dismay,

Yet vexed and goaded by his rebel mood,

Bade that the clans assemble on a day,

And Williams meet the prophet of the wood,

And in their presence front and overthrow

His strange dominion, or all hope forego.