And inward ripeness doth much less appear,

That some more [timely-happy] spirits endu’th.

Yet, be it less or more, or soon or slow,

It shall be still in strictest measure [even] 10

To that same lot, however mean or high,

Toward which Time leads me, and the will of Heaven.

All is, if I have grace to use it so,

As ever in my great Task-Master’s eye.

VIII.

WHEN THE ASSAULT WAS INTENDED TO THE CITY.