Chorus. Enemies time out of mind! they that have spilt our fathers' blood,
How should they be friends of ours, or give us counsel for our good?

Hoo. Friendship is a poor adviser; politicians deep and wise⁠375
Many times are forced to learn a lesson from their enemies;
Diligent and wary conduct is the method soon or late
Which an adversary teaches; whilst a friend or intimate
Trains us on to sloth and ease, to ready confidence; to rest,
In a careless acquiescence; to believe and hope the best.
Look on earth!^[1] behold the nations, all in emulation vieing,
Active all, with busy science engineering, fortifying;
To defend their hearths and homes, with patriotic industry,
Fencing every city round with massy walls of masonry:
Tactical devices old they modify with new design;
Arms offensive and defensive to perfection they refine;
Galleys are equipped and armed, and armies trained to discipline.
Look to life, in every part; in all they practise, all they know;
Every nation has derived its best instruction from the foe.⁠380

Chorus. We're agreed to grant a hearing; if an enemy can teach
Anything that's wise or useful, let him prove it in his speech.

Peis. (aside). Let's retire a pace or two; you see the change in their behaviour.

Hoo. Simple justice I require, and I request it as a favour.

Chorus. Faith and equity require it, and the nation hitherto
Never has refused to take direction and advice from you.⁠385

Peis. (aside). They're relenting by degrees;
Recover arms and stand at ease.

Chorus.^[2] Back to the rear! resume your station,⁠400
Ground your wrath and indignation!
Sheathe your fury! stand at ease,
While I proceed to question these:
What design has brought them here?⁠405
Ho, there, Hoopoe! can't he hear?