And haply science, which can find the stars,

Had searched the heights: had sounded depths as well

By catching much at books where logic lurked,

Yet nowhere found they aught could overcome

Necessity; not any medicine served,

Which Thrakian tablets treasure, Orphic voice

Wrote itself down upon: nor remedy

Which Phoibos gave to the Asklepiadai;

Cutting the roots of many a virtuous herb

To solace overburdened mortals. None!