XLI.

If, like a tower upon a headlong rock, Thou hadst been made to stand or fall alone, Such scorn of man had helped to brave the shock; But men's thoughts were the steps which paved thy throne, _Their_ admiration thy best weapon shone; The part of Philip's son was thine, not then (Unless aside thy Purple had been thrown) Like stern Diogenes to mock at men-- For sceptred Cynics Earth were far too wide a den.[8.B.]