Part 30

2. [LUCRETIUS, IV. 1012-1020.]

struggle and groan as if by panthers torn, Or lions' teeth, which makes them loudly mourn; Some others seem unto themselves to die; Some climb steep solitudes and mountains high, From whence they seem to fall inanely down, Panting with fear, till wak'd, and scarce their own They feel about them if in bed they lie, Deceiv'd with dreams, and Night's imagery.

In vain with earnest strugglings they contend To ease themselves: for when they stir and bend Their greatest force to do it, even then most Of all they faint, and in their hopes are cross'd. Nor tongue, nor hand, nor foot will serve their turn, But without speech and strength within, they mourn.

3. [INCERTI.]

Thou the nepenthe easing grief Art, and the mind's healing relief.

4. [INCERTI.]

Base man! and couldst thou think Cato alone Wants courage to be dry? and but him, none? Look'd I so soft? breath'd I such base desires, Not proof against this Lybic sun's weak fires? That shame and plague on thee more justly lie! To drink alone, when all our troops are dry.

* * * * *

For with brave rage he flung it on the sand, And the spilt draught suffic'd each thirsty band

5. [INCERTI.]

6. [MAXIMUS.]

It lives when kill'd, and brancheth when 'tis lopp'd.

7. [MAXIMUS.]

Like some fair oak, that when her boughs Are cut by rude hands, thicker grows; And from those wounds the iron made Resumes a rich and fresher shade.

8. [GREGORY NAZIANZEN.]

Patience digesteth misery.

9. [MARIUS VICTOR.]

----They fain would--if they might-- Descend to hide themselves in Hell. So light Of foot is Vengeance; and so near to sin, That soon as done, the actors do begin To fear and suffer by themselves: Death moves Before their eyes; sad dens and dusky groves They haunt, and hope--vain hope which Fear doth guide!-- That those dark shades their inward guilt can hide.

10. [INCERTI.]

But night and day doth his own life molest, And bears his judge and witness in his breast.

11. [THEODOTUS.]

Virtue's fair cares some people measure For poisonous works that hinder pleasure.

12. [INCERTI.]

Man should with virtue arm'd and hearten'd be, And innocently watch his enemy: For fearless freedom, which none can control, Is gotten by a pure and upright soul.

13. [INCERTI.]

Whose guilty soul, with terrors fraught, doth frame New torments still, and still doth blow that flame Which still burns him, nor sees what end can be Of his dire plagues, and fruitful penalty; But fears them living, and fears more to die; Which makes his life a constant tragedy.

14. [INCERTI.]

And for life's sake to lose the crown of life.