Yet not the less be shatter’d on its height

By one dread moment of the earthquake’s might!

A thousand pangs thy bosom may have borne,

In silent fortitude or haughty scorn,

Till comes the one, the master-anguish, sent

To break the mighty heart that ne’er was bent.

Oh! what is nature’s strength? The vacant eye,

By mind deserted, hath a dread reply!

The wild delirious laughter of despair,

The mirth of frenzy—seek an answer there!