In short, he also took the middle course

Rome taught him—did at last excogitate

How he might keep the good and leave the bad

Twined in revenge, yet extricable,—nay

Make the very hate's eruption, very rush

Of the unpent sluice of cruelty relieve

His heart first, then go fertilize his field.

What if the girl-wife, tortured with due care,

Should take, as though spontaneously, the road

It were impolitic to thrust her on?