My choice repent; and then again regret

Having repented; while protracted doubt

Wearies her mind, so that the ill from good

No longer I distinguish; till at length

The flight of time impels me to the worst!

From the Italian of Pietre Metastasio.

Doubt! anarch old, that staggers all—

The mighty vulgar as the small,

Claims from all hearts th’ allegiance won,

Yet satisfaction gives to none;