And happy! if the clue shall come so cheap:
For, while we learn to fence with public guilt,
Full oft we feel its foul contagion too,
If less than heavenly virtue is our guard.
Thus, a strange kind of cursed necessity
Brings down the sterling temper of his soul, 320
By base alloy, to bear the current stamp,
Below call’d wisdom; sinks him into safety;
And brands him into credit with the world; 323
Where specious titles dignify disgrace,