Was but a means to power beyond, whose birth

Should, in its novelty, be kingship's proof.

Now, whether he came near or kept aloof

The several forms he longed to imitate,

Not there the kingship lay, he sees too late.

Those forms, unalterable first as last,

Proved him her copier, not the protoplast

Of nature: what would come of being free,

By action to exhibit tree for tree,

Bird, beast, for beast and bird, or prove earth bore