Childe Harold saw them in their Chieftain's tower

Thronging to War in splendour and success;

And after viewed them, when, within their power,

Himself awhile the victim of distress;

That saddening hour when bad men hotlier press:

But these did shelter him beneath their roof,

When less barbarians would have cheered him less,

And fellow-countrymen have stood aloof— [27.B.]

In aught that tries the heart, how few withstand the proof!