But as a means, a momentary tool.

[Pg 33]

To push my purpose to a readier end,

Then to the dust my worn-out weapon send.—

But leave we this; far weightier themes arise:

Th' occasion told all waste of words denies.

In my own realm, our trusty spies report,

While Christiern lingers in a Swedish court,

Once more Sedition rears her batter'd crest,

And plants her snakes in every loyal breast.

Wide o'er the realm the growing tumults swell,

And ask immediate force their rage to quell.

Let valiant Bernheim, with a chosen band,

Use all his speed to reach his native land;

There countermining each insidious plot

By hostile Craft and Treachery begot,

Prepare my way; while I thro' Sweden lead

A wider army, with inferior speed,

And, as I pass, the trembling cities awe,

Display my terrors, and confirm my law;

 Prev. P 34/206 next