Set forth thy plan; let’s see what stratagem’s in view.
Deliberation’s ever wisdom’s truest friend;
Two heads than one are better,—lead to safer end.
The prophet spake: ‘O ruling judge, ere thou decide,
Take counsel; for ’tis said: “In councillors confide.“’”150
The hare objects: “A secret’s not for ev’ry clod.
Odd even is at times; and sometimes even’s odd.
Too closely with a mirror shouldst thou converse hold,
From prudery it umbrage takes, grows dull; the scold.
On matters three, allow not oft thy lips to speak: