My father fed his flocks; a frugal duke

Whose constant care was to increase his store

Of ready money, hoarded for my sake,

That I, although not heir, might have wherewith

To help me in my fight for power and place.

For I had suddenly (what time I sat

For Woodstock borough) gained myself much fame,

And finding that sharp wits, and daring pluck,

And matchless impudence were strangely rare

Amongst the Tories, straightway resolved