The robbers hang the magistrates by their own scheme,
Until at length a chief, blessed with a genius rare,
Springs up to serve his servants; all their troubles share.[395]
To render secret service is a thing beloved.
To hide a service rendered adds to what’s approved.135
What’s he, commends his king with lies before his face,
And in his absence needs lament his lack of grace?
The warden of a castle on the marches laid,
Far from his sovereign, distant from much-needed aid,
Defends his post with valour from beleaguering foe,