825. COUNSEL.
'Twas Cæsar's saying: Kings no less conquerors are
By their wise counsel, than they be by war.
826. BAD PRINCES PILL THE PEOPLE.
Like those infernal deities which eat
The best of all the sacrificed meat;
And leave their servants but the smoke and sweat:
So many kings, and primates too there are,
Who claim the fat and fleshy for their share
And leave their subjects but the starved ware.
827. MOST WORDS, LESS WORKS.
In desp'rate cases all, or most, are known
Commanders, few for execution.
828. TO DIANEME.
I could but see thee yesterday
Stung by a fretful bee;
And I the javelin suck'd away,
And heal'd the wound in thee.
A thousand thorns and briars and stings,
I have in my poor breast;
Yet ne'er can see that salve which brings
My passions any rest.
As love shall help me, I admire
How thou canst sit, and smile
To see me bleed, and not desire
To staunch the blood the while.