CYPRIAN:
Alas! _90
Much pains must we expend on one alone,
And even then attain it not;—but you
Have the presumption to assert that you
Know many without study.
DAEMON:
And with truth.
For in the country whence I come the sciences _95
Require no learning,—they are known.
NOTE: _95 come the sciences]come sciences 1824.
CYPRIAN:
Oh, would
I were of that bright country! for in this
The more we study, we the more discover
Our ignorance.
DAEMON:
It is so true, that I
Had so much arrogance as to oppose _100
The chair of the most high Professorship,
And obtained many votes, and, though I lost,
The attempt was still more glorious, than the failure
Could be dishonourable. If you believe not,
Let us refer it to dispute respecting _105
That which you know the best, and although I
Know not the opinion you maintain, and though
It be the true one, I will take the contrary.
NOTE: _106 the transcr.; wanting, 1824.
CYPRIAN:
The offer gives me pleasure. I am now
Debating with myself upon a passage _110
Of Plinius, and my mind is racked with doubt
To understand and know who is the God
Of whom he speaks.
DAEMON:
It is a passage, if
I recollect it right, couched in these words
‘God is one supreme goodness, one pure essence, _115
One substance, and one sense, all sight, all hands.’
CYPRIAN:
’Tis true.
DAEMON:
What difficulty find you here?