That sheds its venom on the good and wise.
What mighty master in detraction’s school,
Thus into knavery has matured a fool?
Has Niccolo—that scandal of the times,
Taught thee to dare the last extreme of crimes?
Yes! taught by Niccolo, thou spreadst thy rage
O’er the wide area of thy feeble page.
Fain wouldst thou pour the torrent of thine ire
From lips that glow with all a Tully’s fire;
But, thy weak nerves by stale debauch unstrung,