Once joined, the contrary she proves—a thorn

Intestine, far within defensive arms

A cleaving mischief, in his way to virtue

Adverse and turbulent; or by her charms 1040

Draws him awry, enslaved

With dotage, and his sense depraved

To folly and shameful deeds which ruin ends.

What pilot so expert but needs must wreck,

Embarked with such a steers-mate at the helm? 1045

Favoured of heaven who finds