Page:The castle of Indolence - an allegorical poem - Written in imitation of Spenser (IA castleofindolenc00thomiala).pdf/80

LXII.

"Would you then learn to dissipate the Band

"Of these huge threat'ning Difficulties dire,
"That in the weak Man's Way like Lions stand,
"His Soul appall, and damp his rising Fire?
"Resolve! resolve! and to be Men aspire!
"Exert the noblest Privilege, alone,
"Here to Mankind indulg'd: controul Desire;
"Let Godlike Reason, from her sovereign Throne,
"Speak the commanding Word—I will!—and it is done.

LXIII.

"Heavens! can you then thus waste, in shameful wise,

"Your few important Days of Trial here?
"Heirs of Eternity! yborn to rise
"Through endless States of Being, still more near
"To Bliss approaching, and Perfection clear,
"Can you renounce a Fortune so sublime,
"Such glorious Hopes, your backward Steps to steer,
"And roll, with vilest Brutes, through Mud and Slime?
"No! No!—Your Heaven-touch'd Hearts disdain the piteous Crime!"

LXIV.