Page:Comus and other poems - Milton (1906).djvu/89

  Vane, young in yeares, but in sage counsell old,
 * Then whome a better Senatour nere held
 * The helme of Rome, when gownes not armes repelld
 * The feirce Epeirot & the African bold,

Whether to settle peace, or to unfold
 * The drift of hollow states hard to be spelld,
 * Then to advise how warr may best, upheld,
 * Move by her two maine nerves. Iron & Gold

In all her equipage; besides to know
 * Both spirituall powre & civill, what each meanes
 * What severs each thou 'hast learnt, which few have don.

The bounds of either sword to thee wee ow.
 * Therfore on thy firme hand religion leanes
 * In peace, & reck'ns thee her eldest son.

  Cyriack, this three years day these eys, though clear
 * To outward view, of blemish or of spot;
 * Bereft of light thir seeing have forgot,
 * Nor to thir idle orbs doth sight appear

Of Sun or Moon or Starre throughout the year,
 * Or man or woman. Yet I argue not
 * Against heavns hand or will, nor bate a jot
 * Of heart or hope; but still bear vp and steer

Right onward. What supports me dost thou ask?
 * The conscience, Friend, to have lost them overply'd
 * In libertyes defence, my noble task,

Of which all Europe talks from side to side.
 * This thought might lead me through the worlds vain mask
 * Content though blind, had I no better guide.

