Then, as it seemed, the passive spirit grew
With every insult, words gave place to deeds,
Till fire and plunder were the common lot
Of unprotected merchants and their wares.
And still their leaders slept; at times it seemed
(When some new outrage made the country ring)
As if the spell must break and wrath be roused
With strength to crush all China at a blow.
But well the wily Mongol played his game
With honeyed speech and temporising gifts: