But urged him with her bitter tongue,

Like a good horse with lashes stung,

She spoke her shameful speech. Serene

He heard the fury of the queen,

And to her words so vile and dread

Gently, unmoved in mind, he said:

“I would not in this world remain

A grovelling thrall to paltry gain,

But duty's path would fain pursue,

True as the saints themselves are true.