Of sages, martyrs, confessors—the man

Whom the best might of faith, wherever fix'd,[453]

For one day's little compass, has preserved

From painful and discreditable shocks

Of contradiction, from some vague desire

Culpably cherished, or corrupt relapse

To some unsanctioned fear?"

"If this be so,

And Man," said I, "be in his noblest shape

Thus pitiably infirm; then, he who made,