That poison all your politics.

Therefore shall we see, this year,

The allies with tribute arriving here,

Eager and anxious all to behold

Their steady protector, the bard so bold;

The bard, they say, that has dared to speak,

To attack the strong, to defend the weak.

His fame in foreign climes is heard,

And a singular instance lately occurred.

It occurred in the case of the Persian king,