"Son, suppose

My camel told me: 'Threescore days and ten

I traversed hill and dale, yet never found

Food to stop hunger, drink to stay my drouth;

Yet, here I stand alive, which take in proof

That to survive was found impossible!'

'Nay, rather take thou, non-surviving beast,'

(Reply were prompt,) 'on flank this thwack of staff

Nowise affecting flesh that 's dead and dry!

Thou wincest? Take correction twice, amend