Lax myrobalans act as nutgalls first;
As naphtha feeds a fire, drinks brought but thirst.
The prince no sooner saw their art was vain,
Than barefoot sped, heaven’s worship-house[61] to gain.20
The holy altar, there, he bowed before;
With flood of tears he bathed its sacred floor.
Then, heart-relieved with sorrow’s fierce outbreak,
’Mid praise and blessing, thus his suit he spake:
“To Thee, whose meanest gift is world-wide sway,
Who know’st each secret wish, why need I pray?