But of king David's foes, be this the doom,

May all be like the young man Absalom;

And, for my foes, may this their blessing be,

To talk like Doeg, and to write like thee!"

Achitophel each rank, degree and age,

For various ends neglects not to engage;

The wise and rich, for purse and counsel brought,

The fools and beggars, for their number sought;

Who yet not only on the town depends,

For even in court the faction had its friends.