A game at chess is here displayed
Between the Black and White House made,
Wherein crown-thirsting policy
For the Black House (by fallacy)
To the White Knight check often gives, —
And to some straits him thereby drives.
The Fat Black Bishop helps also
With faithless heart to give the blow.
Yet (maugre all their craft) at length
The White Knight, with wit-wondrous strength —
And circumspective prudency,
Gives checkmate by discovery
To the Black Knight; and so at last,
The game thus won, the Black House — cast
Into the bag, and therein shut ——
Find all their plumes and coxcombs cut.
Plain-dealing thus by wisdom’s guide
Defeats the cheats of craft and pride.