All hail me chief of minstrels. But I am not,

Heaven knows, o'ercredulous: no, I scarce can yet

(I think) outvie Philetas, nor the bard

Of Samos, champion of Sicilian song.

They are as cicadas challenged by a frog."

I spake to gain mine ends; and laughing light

He said: "Accept this club, as thou'rt indeed

A born truth-teller, shaped by heaven's own hand!

I hate your builders who would rear a house

High as Oromedon's mountain-pinnacle: