Page:The Works of Lord Byron (ed. Coleridge, Prothero) - Volume 2.djvu/304

268 But good with ill they also overthrew,

Leaving but ruins, wherewith to rebuild

Upon the same foundation, and renew

Dungeons and thrones, which the same hour refilled,

As heretofore, because Ambition was self-willed.

LXXXIII.

But this will not endure, nor be endured!

Mankind have felt their strength, and made it felt.

They might have used it better, but, allured

By their new vigour, sternly have they dealt

On one another; Pity ceased to melt

With her once natural charities. But they,

Who in Oppression's darkness caved had dwelt,

They were not eagles, nourished with the day;

What marvel then, at times, if they mistook their prey?

LXXXIV.

What deep wounds ever closed without a scar?

The heart's bleed longest, and but heal to wear

That which disfigures it; and they who war

With their own hopes, and have been vanquished, bear

Silence, but not submission: in his lair

Fixed Passion holds his breath, until the hour

Which shall atone for years; none need despair:

It came—it cometh—and will come,—the power

To punish or forgive—in one we shall be slower.