And then for proof produc'd the golden Store,
Himself had hidden in his Tent before:
Thus of two Champions he depriv'd our Host,
By Exile one, and one by Treason lost.
Thus fights Ulysses, thus his Fame extends,
A formidable Man, but to his Friends:
Great, for what Greatness is in Words, and Sound,
Ev'n faithful Nestor less in both is found:
But that he might without a Rival reign,
He left this faithful Nestor on the Plain;
Forsook his Friend ev'n at his utmost Need,
Who tir'd, and tardy with his wounded Steed,
Cry'd out for Aid, and call'd him by his Name;
But Cowardice has neither Ears nor Shame:
Thus fled the good old Man, bereft of Aid,
And, for as much as lay in him, betray'd:
That this is not a Fable forg'd by me,
Like one of his, Ulyssean Lie,
I vouch ev'n Diomede, who tho' his Friend,
Cannot that Act excuse, much less defend:
He call'd him back aloud, and tax'd his Fear;
And sure enough he heard, but durst not hear.
The Gods with equal Eyes on Mortals look,
He justly was forsaken, who forsook:
Wanted that Succour, he refus'd to lend,
Found ev'ry Fellow such another Friend:
No wonder, if he roar'd that all might hear;
His Elocution was increas'd by Fear:
I heard, I ran, I found him out of Breath,
Pale, trembling, and half dead with Fear of Death,
Though he had judg'd himself by his own Laws,
And stood condemn'd, I help'd the common Cause:
With my broad Buckler hid him from the Foe;
(Ev'n the Shield trembled as lie lay below;)
And from impending Fate the Coward freed:
Good Heav'n forgive me for so bad a Deed!
If
