Like wooden sword in sheath, were but a senseless name.
Within its sheath while kept, of value it may seem;
When drawn, ’tis only fit for matchwood, men will deem,
Arm not thyself with wooden sword in battle’s day.
Examine well thy weapon, if thou ’d have fair play.
Shouldst find thy sword of wood, another seek forthwith;
If adamant it prove to be, then join thy kith.
The truest swords are found in th’ arm’ry of the saints.
Their converse is to thee a balm for all complaints.405
The wise have ever said, with uniform accord: