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Surpassing nature. When the soul is roused To desp'rate sacrifice, 'tis ardent passion, Or high exalted virtue that excites it. Can loathsome demonry in dauntless bearing Outdo the motives of the lofty brave? It cannot be! There is some power in this Mocking all thought—incomprehensible. Delusion! ay, 'tis said the cheated sight Will see unreal things; the cheated ear List to sweet sounds that are not; even the reason Maintain conclusions wild and inconsistent. We hear of this:—the weak may be deluded; But is the learn'd, th' enlighten'd noble Varus The victim of delusion?—Can it be? I'll not believe it.

No, believe it not.

Ha! one so near me! I have seen thy face before; but where?—who art thou?

Ev'n that Centurion of the Seventh Legion, Who, with Cordenius Maro, at the siege Of Fort Volundum*, mounted first the breach;