Who dallies with its evil sweets, too late

Refuses to endure the galling yoke135

Which he himself has placed upon his neck.

I know full well how scornful of the truth,

How harsh the swollen pride of princesses,

How it refuses to be bent aright.

Whatever outcome chance allots, I'll bear;

For dawning freedom makes the agéd brave.

To will to live uprightly nor to fall140

From virtue's ways is best; but next to this