For, or against, what wonders he can do,

And will? To stand blank neuter he disdains.

Not on those terms was Time (Heaven’s stranger!) sent

On his important embassy to man.

Lorenzo! no: on the long-destined hour, 200

From everlasting ages growing ripe,

That memorable hour of wondrous birth,

When the Dread Sire, on emanation bent,

And big with Nature, rising in his might,

Call’d forth creation (for then Time was born),