In men is—action prompted by surprise

Of anger: men? nay, bulls—whose onset lies

At instance of the firework and the goad!

Once the foe prostrate,—trampling once bestowed,—

Prompt follows placability, regret,

Atonement. Trust me, blood-warmth never yet

Betokened strong will! As no leap of pulse

Pricked me, that first time, so did none convulse

My veins at this occasion for resolve.

Had that devolved which did not then devolve