The monarch scans their dire contents,
For here ’twas written plainly,
“If thou dost hate who works amiss
Let not his hand that beareth this
Have sinned against me vainly;
Thy Prœtus.” Sore vexed was the king
That he must do a bloody thing
Against so brave a guest;
But vows were strong, and family bonds;
Therefore, composed, he thus responds—