Ere let the reptile raise its crest again.
If that was truth, why try the true friend more?
"Then, since thou canst be faithful to the death,
Take, deep into thy house, my dame!" smiled he.
"Not so!—I pray, by thy Progenitor!"
"Thou wilt mistake in disobeying me!"
"Obeying thee, I have to break my heart!"
"Obey me! Who knows but the favor done
May fall into its place as duty too?"
So, he was humble, would decline no more