9
If thou canst gain the mountain's topmost brow,
Then tempt the steep, or else remain below.
"Critics, and Gods, and Columns," all agree,
In strictest league, t' enforce the harsh decree.
We bold reformers laugh the creed to scorn,
By which old times would bind the times unborn;
We mock the terrors, which, in darker age,
Appall'd the Bard, and curb'd his gen'rous rage;
And, bless'd with clearer light; annul the law,
Which Greece pronounc'd, and Latium heard with awe.
The midway track, at length redeem'd from scorn,
The guards disbanded, and the fences torn,
Our brighter æra consecrates the soil,
And bids the panting Bard here end his toil.
Then tempt the steep, or else remain below.
"Critics, and Gods, and Columns," all agree,
In strictest league, t' enforce the harsh decree.
We bold reformers laugh the creed to scorn,
By which old times would bind the times unborn;
We mock the terrors, which, in darker age,
Appall'd the Bard, and curb'd his gen'rous rage;
And, bless'd with clearer light; annul the law,
Which Greece pronounc'd, and Latium heard with awe.
The midway track, at length redeem'd from scorn,
The guards disbanded, and the fences torn,
Our brighter æra consecrates the soil,
And bids the panting Bard here end his toil.
