Of man's strange pride, for which the angels weep,

From this a useful lesson let man reap,

Whatever point he gains by struggling might.

First scholar, artist, genius of the age,

First with the sword or with the tongue's debate,

Poet strong-wing'd or philosophic sage,—

However loud the trump, that calls thee great,—

Proud, boasting worm! just think of poor Balmat,

In ice-chink plung'd from all his high eclat!