Each rude rebuff, each peevish look and tone,
And, like Pope Sixtus, write yourself an ass
If you’re resolved to reach your papal throne.
After the bitters, sweets will come at length,
And sturdy begging beat close-fisted strength.
With profit Gingillino did attend
To the sage preaching of his vulpine friend.
He went; he knuckled down; he bared his crown;
He crept, crawled, coaxed, and cringed to sword and gown;
And when they’d dried him, tried him, sifted him, drifted him,