“Nay,” Ronald said, “the letter that you bear
Entrust it to no lying varlet’s care;
But say a soldier of King George demands
Access, to leave it in the Duke’s own hands.
But show me, first, the epistle to your chief,
’Tis nought, unless succinctly clear and brief;
Great men have no great patience when they read,
And long petitions spoil the cause they plead.”
That day saw Ronald from the field full soon
Return; and when they all had dined at noon,