Page:The Carcanet.djvu/257

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.

Submit thy fate to heav'n's indulgent care, Though all seem lost, 'tis impious to despair; The tracks of providence like rivers wind, And though immerg'd in earth from human eyes Again break forth, and more conspicuous rise.

His body was emaciated not only with the fasts which he observed with rigid punctuality, but also by the active and unwearied exercise of his sharp and piercing intellect: A fiery soul which working out its way Fretted the puny body to decay; And o'er informed the tenement of clay.

Walter Scott.

——— 'Twas man himself Brought death into the world; and man himself Gave keenness to his darts, quicken'd his pace, And multiplied destruction on mankind. With joy ambition saw, and soon improv'd The execrable deed. 'Twas not enough By subtle fraud to snatch a single life; Puny impiety ! whole kingdoms fell To sate the lust of power: more horrid still, The foulest stain and scandal of our nature Became its boast. One murder made a villain, Millions a hero. Princes were privileged To kill, and numbers sanctified the crims