To whisper counsels in their patron's ear,
And veiled their false advice with zealous fear.
The master smiled to see them work in vain,
To wear him out, and make an idle reign:
He saw, but suffered their protractive arts,
And strove by mildness to reduce their hearts;
}
But they abused that grace to make allies, }
And fondly closed with former enemies; }
For fools are doubly fools, endeavouring to be wise. }