XXXI.

'But let untender thoughts afar be driven; 'Nor venture to arraign the dread decree: 'For know, to man, as candidate for heaven, 'The voice of The Eternal said, Be free: 'And this divine prerogative to thee 'Does virtue, happiness, and heaven convey; 'For virtue is the child of liberty, 'And happiness of virtue; nor can they 'Be free to keep the path, who are not free to stray.