Since men, like beasts, each other's prey were made,

Since trade began, and priesthood grew a trade,

Since realms were formed, none, sure, so curst as those,

That madly their own happiness oppose;

There heaven itself, and god-like kings, in vain

Shower down the manna of a gentle reign;

While pampered crowds to mad sedition run,

And monarchs by indulgence are undone.

Thus David's clemency was[351] fatal grown,