Man's conscience is the Oracle of God.[360]

VII.

The launch is crowded with the faithful few

Who wait their Chief, a melancholy crew:

But some remained reluctant on the deck

Of that proud vessel—now a moral wreck—

And viewed their Captain's fate with piteous eyes;

While others scoffed his augured miseries,130

Sneered at the prospect of his pigmy sail,

And the slight bark so laden and so frail.