Brought forth by Wisdom, nursed by Discipline,
By Patience taught, by Perseverance crown’d,
She rears her head majestic; round her throne, 627
Erected in the bosom of the just,
Each virtue, listed, forms her manly guard.
For what are virtues? (formidable name!)
What, but the fountain, or defence, of joy?
Why, then, commanded? Need mankind commands,
At once to merit, and to make, their bliss?—
Great Legislator! scarce so great, as kind! 634