Or real wisdom wafts us to the skies.
As worldly schemes resemble Sibyl’s leaves,
The good man’s days to Sibyl’s books compare,
(In ancient story read, thou know’st the tale),
In price still rising, as in number less,
Inestimable quite his final hour. 364
For that who thrones can offer, offer thrones;
Insolvent worlds the purchase cannot pay.
“O let me die his death!” all nature cries.
“Then live his life”—all nature falters there;