“the doubtful shore,[41]
Where thy first form was made a man;”
that is, to this world, distinguishing it from that “second state sublime,” into which Hallam had been admitted; for not even there can more affection be found, than I conceived and yet cherish:
“I loved thee, Spirit, and love, nor can
The soul of Shakespeare love thee more.”
This is all that even Shakespeare can do, if he and thou be now compeers.
LXII.
If looking down on the object of his affection makes his friend ashamed, then let their friendship be to him but as an idle tale or legend of the past. And Hallam may feel as one might, who having once had a low attachment, did afterwards wed an equal mind.[42]
The first love then either wholly dies out, or
“Is matter for a flying smile”—
a subject for ridicule.
LXIII.