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Gave freely blood and wealth the weak to aid,— |
| Proserpine. | Most aptly spoken! |
| Thetis. | That may mean, I'm told, Happy are they who own "men, ships, and gold," In that case I congratulate my nation. |
| Proserpine. | I don't think Pallas hinted that translation;— Rather, I think, "that each kept what she had, By hook or crook;" and I should be most glad To guarantee you this. |
| Thetis. | Thanks Proserpine; I like, myself, to guarantee what's mine. As for your terms, we know you undertook To free Bulgaria, quite on your own hook;— And for your crook,—it thus has pleased the Fates,— Your crooked ways have brought you to the Straits. |
| Proserpine. | But, Thetis, why of me this sad suspicion?— I but performed a conscientious mission. |
| Thetis. | When interest and duty coincide, 'Tis well to know for what they are allied. |
| Proserpine. | Have you not scann'd with care each narrow pinch,— Jealously watch'd my every onward inch In Turkey? |
