Thus spoke, and silenc’d all the rest:
“Cease, cease your vain contention, cease
Your shallow schemes of happiness;
Which only have confirm’d me more,
’Tis where I thought it was before.
Greatness is no establishment
Of real bliss, or true content;
Luxurious banquets soon disgust;
We’re quickly pall’d with sensual lust:
Virtue alone can give true joy;