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FRANCIS BACON'S CRYPTIC RHYMES
to this anecdote and to the maxim sprung from the
depth of a noble prelate's heart, agrees in every respect
with the Shakespearean form and that of the psalms.
" "
True, the adjective dead is
separated from the noun
"temples," but for that there is good reason, the
leading thought being based upon the contrast between
the "dead " and the " living."
The Lacedaemonians were besieged by the Athenians in
the Fort of Peile ;
which was won, and some slain and some
taken. There was one said to one of them that was taken, by
way of scorn, Were not they brave men, that lost their lives
at the Fort of Peile ? He answered, Certainly a Persian arrow
is much to be set by, if it can choose out a brave man.
All we need do is to pronounce the word " taken "
as it is so frequently written, even to this day
:
" ta'en,"
and every line rhymes from " won " to the end :
The Lacedaemonians were besieged
the Fort of Peile ;
which was won,
by the Athenians at
and some slain
and some ta'en.
There was one said to one of them that was ta'en,
by way of scorn, Were not they brave men
that lost their lives at the Fort of Peile ?
He answer'd, Certain/y
a Persian arrow is
if it
can
much to be set by,
choose out a brave man.
Here we have a long introductory line, followed by
the splendid description in three short lines of the quick
capture of the fort " : which was won, and some slain
and some ta'en." "
Won " rhymes twice to the internal
rhyme " one " then
;
follow the rhymes " slain-ta'en-