XLII.

Strange wisdom by her unkenned craft is taught

While yet the embryo in her womb is wrought;

For, long ere entering on our tumult rife,

It learns from her the needful art of life;

Unconscious teacher, she, yet all she knows

Of dark experience to her infant flows,

And brands him, ere he rest upon her knee,

Offshoot of slavish race, not scion of the free.