That so the sovereign’s favour may be won, and smiles.
For, otherwise, a mere pretext, without a proof,
In justice’ court would fail, and bring reproof.
A witness credible is, then, sine quâ non.
For suitor’s plea to stand, proof it must rest upon.”460
His wife rejoined: “The witness thou requir’st to bring,
Must, by some shrewd contrivance, from thy prospects spring.
Rain-water’s all we have in store within our hut,
Estate, possessions, wealth, lie in our water-butt.
A little pot of water shalt thou bear with thee,