The Friend.
Another path
Fair friend, ’twere well to curb your haste,
Instead of hanging, you may taste
A deeper vengeance; not for you
Is it the hangman’s work to do.
A traitor foul ’tis fair to cheat
With treason—hear me, I entreat.
The Lover.
Kind friend, in you will I confide
Alone, nor turn my heart aside.
And if you will but point the way
Of most effect by which to lay8280
Siege to the castle, gladly hear
Will I, whilst you the plan make clear.
The Friend.
I know a pleasant path and sure.
Though somewhat dangerous to poor
And needy men. To take the fort
There is a plan both safe and short
(Though in it hath no lot or part
My doctrine, that revolts your heart)
By which you may the walls displace,
Shaking each stone from tower to base,8290
While gates and doors will open fly,
Swung on their hinges suddenly.
All those who guard it would allow
Themselves beneath your yoke to bow
As prisoners, while no single word
Were spoken, nor a finger stirred.
