No More Learning

The false and fond examples of thy lusts
Corrupt no less than they oppress, and sap
In the same moment all thy pageant power
And those who should sustain it; so that whether
A foreign foe invade, or civil broil
Distract within, both will alike prove fatal:
The first thy subjects have no heart to conquer; 80
The last they rather would assist than vanquish.

_Sar. _ Why, what makes thee the mouth-piece of the people?

_Sal. _ Forgiveness of the Queen, my sister wrongs;
A natural love unto my infant nephews;
Faith to the King, a faith he may need shortly,
In more than words; respect for Nimrod's line;
Also, another thing thou knowest not.

_Sar. _ What's that?

_Sal. _ To thee an unknown word.

_Sar. _ Yet speak it;
I love to learn.

_Sal. _ Virtue.

_Sar. _ Not know the word!
Never was word yet rung so in my ears-- 90
Worse than the rabble's shout, or splitting trumpet:
I've heard thy sister talk of nothing else.

_Sal. _ To change the irksome theme, then, hear of vice.

_Sar. _ From whom?

_Sal. _ Even from the winds, if thou couldst listen
Unto the echoes of the Nation's voice.

_Sar. _ Come, I'm indulgent, as thou knowest, patient,
As thou hast often proved--speak out, what moves thee?

_Sal. _ Thy peril.

_Sar. _ Say on.

_Sal. _ Thus, then: all the nations,
For they are many, whom thy father left
In heritage, are loud in wrath against thee. 100

_Sar.