In vain with earnest strugglings they contend
To ease themselves: for when they stir and bend
Their greatest force to do it, even then most
Of all they faint, and in their hopes are cross'd.
Nor tongue, nor hand, nor foot will serve their turn,
But without speech and strength within, they mourn.
3. [INCERTI.]
Thou the nepenthe easing grief
Art, and the mind's healing relief.
4. [INCERTI.]
Base man! and couldst thou think Cato alone
Wants courage to be dry? and but him, none?
Look'd I so soft? breath'd I such base desires,
Not proof against this Lybic sun's weak fires?
That shame and plague on thee more justly lie!
To drink alone, when all our troops are dry.
5. [INCERTI.]
[Death keeps off]
And will not bear the cry
Of distress'd man, nor shut his weeping eye