But heightens and secures the rest.

Wouldst thou a trembling flame expand,

That hastens in the lamp to die?

With careful touch, with sparing hand,

The feeding stream of life supply.

But if thy flask profusely sheds

A rushing torrent o'er the blaze,

Swift round the sinking flame it spreads,

And kills the fire it fain would raise.

THE VALE OF BOZAA[47]