Roaming at large, to observe, and not to feel

And, therefore, not to act—convinced that all

Which bears the name of action, howsoe'er

Beginning, ends in servitude—still painful,

And mostly profitless. And, sooth to say,

On nearer view, a motley spectacle

Appeared, of high pretensions—unreproved

But by the obstreperous voice of higher still;

Big passions strutting on a petty stage;

Which a detached spectator may regard