The zeal I manifested to obtain
An honourable peace, deserved success.
Yet were they blighted, and a scornful laugh
Rang through the council, as with honest pride
I spoke of it as ratified; deceived,
O'er-reached by diplomatic wiles, the foe
Amused me with a hollow armistice,
And ravaged all the frontier; Julian,
Like a young lion rushing on his prey,
Flew to avenge the wrong 'gainst fearful odds—
So great, it seemed miraculous. He won
A splendid victory; wrote terms of peace
With his own sword in blood. The emperor,
Amazed at such an unexpected stroke,
Granted at once to this wild, headstrong boy,
Conditions which I never dared propose.
Thou know'st the clamours of the multitude,—
The honours he received, but can'st not guess
My damning tortures; let it pass.—You spoke
Of love—the beauteous Veronica, she
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