Defiant still of Fortune's power, his thoughts at last found vent, For Fortune had been cruel, and in words of discontent, As if he blamed the serpent upon his shield displayed, The torrent of his heart broke forth and in wrath the warrior said: "O wasters of the brightest hope I knew in years long past!

th'art a craven I warrant thee, thou wouldst be loth to play half a dozen of venies at wasters with a good fellow for a broken head.