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Your deed, and Shame and Fear should wake

And feign defence—though all aquake

With will, while struggling, to give way,

Then will you understand their play.

If tremulous Fear turn deadly pale,

Shame flush bright red, while ’neath him fail

Rude Danger’s knees, and all the three

Shriek and lament them woefully,

Care not for them an empty shuck,

But grasp the Rose and thank your luck,

Showing yourself a man of nerve

When place and good occasion serve,

For nothing gives them more delight

Than to be vanquished in a fight

By major force.

At different times

Their moods will vary e’en as climes

And seasons change; if you appealed

Their will, they ne’er would dare to yield

That which they love to give by force,

But feign their joy to be the source

Of bitterest grief, although they sighed

And longed for that which lips denied.

It is, forsooth, their full intent

To gain the end they most resent;

And disappointment were intense,

To say the truth, if their defence

Succeeded, and all unappeased

Would be their wrath, while wondrous pleased

They vaunted them of their escape.

But if resistance take the shape