III.

And Constance? sever'd from a husband's side, No heart to cherish, and no hand to guide, Still, as if ev'n the very name of wife Drew her soul upward into loftier life, The solemn sense of woman's holiest tie Arm'd every thought against the memory. 'Mid shatter'd Lares stood the Marriage Queen-- As on a Roman's hearth, with marble smile serene: New to her sight that galaxy of mind Which moves round men who light and guide their kind, Where all shine equal in their joint degrees And rank's harsh outlines vanish into ease. As Power and Genius interchange their hues So genial life the classic charm renews; Some Scipio's wit a Terence may refine, Some Caesar's pomp exalt a Maro's line-- The polish'd have their flaws, but least espied Amongst the polish'd is the angle pride; And, howsoever Envy grudge their state, Their own bland laws democratize the great.