'Tis sloth alone that evil fortune breeds,
But patient toil to rule and empire leads.
Though this I say, so sure am I withal
That now at last ye'll act as Romans do,
That I do hold as nought the armèd wall
Of these rude Spaniards, a rebellious crew.
By this right hand I swear before you all,
That if your hands be to your spirits true,
Then mine with recompense will open wide,
And this my tongue shall tell your deeds with pride.