Renounce his reason, rather than renounce

The dust beloved, and run the risk of heaven? 740

Oh, what indignity to deathless souls!

What treason to the majesty of man!

Of man immortal! Hear the lofty style:

“If so decreed, th’ Almighty Will be done.

Let earth dissolve, yon ponderous orbs descend,

And grind us into dust. The soul is safe;

The man emerges; mounts above the wreck,

As towering flame[31] from Nature’s funeral pyre;