That works in darkness like a labouring mine,

Unknown to all, 'till, bursting into birth,

Its wide explosion shakes th' astonish'd earth.

His was the prompt invention, fruitful still

In means subservient to the varying will:

[Pg 7]

The flexible expertness, smooth and mean,

That glides thro' obstacles, and wins unseen:

The quick discernment, that with eagle eyes

Sees distant storms in ether darkly rise,

And active vigour, that arrests their course,

Or to a different aim diverts their force.

He, in a happier land, by freedom bless'd,

Had hallow'd virtue dawn'd upon his breast,

Had done some glorious deed, to stamp his name

High on the roll of ever-during fame;

Snatch'd from Oppression's jaws some victim realm,

Or fix'd in stable peace his country's wavering helm.

But baleful Guilt usurp'd with fatal care

A heart which Virtue had been proud to share;

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