Society and the World

Who overcomes By force hath overcome but half his foe.

Th’ imperial ensign, which, full high advanc’d, Shone like a meteor, streaming to the wind. 3

Sonorous metal blowing martial sounds: At which the universal host up sent A shout that tore hell’s concave, and beyond Frighted the reign of Chaos and old Night.

Spirits, when they please, Can either sex assume, or both.

When night Darkens the streets, then wander forth the sons Of Belial, flown with insolence and wine.

His spear, to equal which the tallest pine Hewn on Norwegian hills, to be the mast Of some great ammiral, were but a wand, He walk’d with, to support uneasy steps Over the burning marle.

And out of good still to find means of evil.

Peace hath her victories No less renown’d than war.

At last he rose, and twitch’d his mantle blue: Tomorrow to fresh woods and pastures new.

Blind mouths! That scarce themselves know how to hold A sheep-hook.

The hungry sheep look up, and are not fed, But swoln with wind and the rank mist they draw, Rot inwardly, and foul contagion spread: Besides what the grim wolf with privy paw Daily devours apace, and nothing said; But that two-handed engine at the door Stands ready to smite once, and smite no more.

Love Virtue, she alone is free, She can teach ye how to climb Higher than the sphery chime; Or, if Virtue feeble were, Heav’n itself would stoop to her.

Love Virtue, she alone is free, She can teach ye how to climb Higher than the sphery chime; Or, if Virtue feeble were, Heav’n itself would stoop to her.

But now my task is smoothly done: I can fly, or I can run.

Praising the lean and sallow abstinence.

Tis Chastity, my brother, Chastity: She that has that, is clad in complete steel.

An old, and haughty nation proud in arms.

Tower’d cities please us then, And the busy hum of men.

The mountain nymph, sweet liberty.

As ever in my great Taskmaster’s eye.

No war, or battle’s sound Was heard the world around. The idle spear and shield were high up hung.

Religion stands on tiptoe in our land, Ready to pass to the American strand.

Teach me, my God and King, In all things thee to see And what I do in any thing, To do it as for thee.

A servant with this clause Makes drudgery divine: Who sweeps a room, as for thy laws, Makes that and th’ action fine.