XXXVIII + 

No one the contrary will urge, + 

Though for his Helen Menelaus + 

Again a century should scourge + 

Us, and like Trojan warriors slay us; + 

Though around honoured Priam’s throne + 

Troy’s sages should in concert own + 

Once more, when she appeared in sight, + 

Paris and Menelaus right. + 

But as to fighting⁠—’twill appear! + 

For patience, reader, I must plead! + 

A little farther please to read + 

And be not in advance severe. + 

There’ll be a fight. I do not lie. + 

My word of honour given have I. + 