Fragment XXIII: Court not a tyrant’s favour, nor combine

Court not a tyrant’s favour, nor combine
To further his iniquitous design ;
If covenants have pass’d between you both,
Never assassinate him! keep your oath!
But should he still misuse his lawless power,
To trample on the people, and devour,
Depose or overturn him; any how!
Your oath permits it, and the gods allow.
But, if your faith is pledg’d, though late and loth,