Vi

A crouching purpose--a distracted will-- Opposed to hopes that battened upon scorn, And to desires whose ever-waxing horn Not all the light of earthly power could fill; Opposed to dark, deep plots of patient skill, And to celerities of lawless force; Which, spurning God, had flung away remorse-- What could they gain but shadows of redress? --So bad proceeded propagating worse; And discipline was passion's dire excess.[AV] Widens the fatal web, its lines extend, And deadlier poisons in the chalice blend. When will your trials teach you to be wise? --O prostrate Lands, consult your agonies!