From this infirmity of mortal kind
Sorrow proceeds, which else were not; at least,
If grief be something hallowed and ordained,
If, in proportion, it be just and meet,
Yet, through this weakness of the general heart,
Is it enabled to maintain its hold[313]
In that excess which conscience disapproves.
For who could sink and settle to that point
Of selfishness; so senseless who could be
As long[314] and perseveringly to mourn