Nor is it disobedience: know, Lorenzo!
Whate’er th’ Almighty’s subsequent command,
His first command is this:—“Man, love thyself.” 170
In this alone, free agents are not free.
Existence is the basis, bliss the prize;
If virtue costs existence, ’tis a crime;
Bold violation of our law supreme,
Black suicide; though nations, which consult
Their gain, at thy expence, resound applause.
Since Virtue’s recompence is doubtful, here,