These hold the country's welfare in their hand.
A mighty trust to them has been consigned.
They know their duty, and should understand
What acts will echo best the people's mind;
And they should act, in matters small or great,
As wisdom and their consciences dictate.
XLI.
Thus should they act, but thus do not they all,
But mildly bow to their Dictator's bid;
They fear to disobey him, lest they fall
Quick victims to his anger, or be chid
Severely by the leader, in whose power
It lies to give his slaves official dower.
Thus is a heavy premium placed upon
A blind obedience and servility;
And high position hardly can be won
Except by meekness and docility:
By meekness where assertion would be right;
By weak docility where should be might.
XLIII.
And they, the Ministers of State, who hold
The gift of the office and the nation's trust,
From long retained authority grow bold,
And, almost flagrantly, they dare adjust
The national affairs in such a way
As best will serve them, and protract their sway.
XLIV.
But not too far do they attempt to go
In serving self. There stands an arbiter
To whom they must appeal; were this not so,
Their conscientiousness might not deter
The country's servants from committing deeds
To hinder which their shame now intercedes.