r's anxious eye
Doth quick discern some symptom which doth like
The weather-cock, respond to ev'ry breeze
Prudence would whisper, "It were well to wait."
_Quezox:_ Ah, Sire, Procrastination is a thief
Which steals the treasure hidden in the brain,
While if it were supplanted by stern acts
Like to the sword 'twould ward off ev'ry foe.
_Francos:_ Ah lack-a-day! Uncertainty doth fill
My mind. I would not aspirations block
With idle fears, but still I must beware,
Or when too late, these fears may take on life.
_All speak:_
Fear is a coward word and always flees
When Action shows himself armed cap-a-pie
And thus prepared to wage aggressive fight.
Hence, honored sire let's throw it to the dogs!
_Francos, fretfully:_
Well, have it as thou wilt, and on thy heads
Blame shall her thistled crown with pomp bestow
If Failure thrusts her grim and wrinkled face
With grinning smile to comment on our work.
_All:_ Thanks, and again more thanks, most noble Sire!
The sun of Freedom shows her smiling face
Above the horizon of discontent,
Portending happy day so long delayed.
_(Exeunt Quezox and Gentlemen to waiting room)_

_Scene 3: Waiting Room._

_Quezox:_ 'Tis done, and, Gentlemen, this doth reveal
Most aptly how sweet concert for the time
Doth work our purpose on this pliant soul.
So long as he from contact with his kind
We can prevent by flattery and guile;
He, like to wax within the moulder's hand,
May form a figurehead of brave design,
But statue-like it were an empty house.
_1st Gentleman:_
I have a thought, sweet Quezox, and must voice
It in thine ear. Soon, from that distant land
Where our oppressors dwell, others will hie
Them to our shores; and they may be of mould
More stern, and thus impediments may prove
To be 'gainst our designs; hence it were well
That we should much accomplish while we may.
These may prevent what they can ne'er undo.
_2d Gentleman:_
Si, si, Senor; haste be the magic word,
To thrust the vermin out must be our aim.
_3d Gentleman:_
Well said. If we delay, "Manana,"