At interest's call, he calmly thrust aside

Each bond of conscience that opposed his pride,

[Pg 10]

And, deeming every scruple out of place,

Back posted to his dignified disgrace.

Next, with a lofty step advancing, came

A martial chieftain—Otho was his name:

In Denmark born, of an illustrious line,

Whose glories, now effaced, had ceased to shine;

And he was but unanxious to redeem

Those honours, in his eyes a worthless dream.

Trained in licentious customs, he despised

All virtue's rules, and pleasure only prized;

And, faithful as the magnet, turn'd his head

To follow fortune wheresoe'er it led:

Tho' hostile justice rear'd her loftiest mound,

To bar his passage o'er forbidden ground.

Swift o'er all impediments he flew,

And strain'd his eyes to keep the prize in view.

Religion, virtue, sense, to him were nought;

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