Death to the faithful is a blessing, and a grace.”[431]

A love of gain is innate in the human breast.

To court death’s doubtless profit, is to wish the best.250

Then, O ye stiff-necked people, do, for honour’s sake,

The wish for speedy death upon your tongues’ ends take.

No recusant was found who dared to lisp that prayer,

When thus Muhammed put it as the truth’s assayer.

He knew that should they venture that ordeal to prove,

In all the world no recusant would thenceforth move.

They all preferred to pay their tribute for their lives,