There stands he now, amid the flock the ram,1
A visible king by natural right to reign,2
Whose high commission, from the great I AM3
Direct, makes other seals and sanctions vain.4
He stands as one who hath a steadfast will,5
He looks as one whose survey lords the field,6
At whose sure-darted glance of practised skill7
The doubtful waver and the feeble yield.8
Even such I knew from Homer’s regal song,9
Jove-born, broad-breasted, lofty-fronted kings,10
Who like Jove’s bird careered both swift and strong,11
And boldly soared with venture on their wings :12
But he who boldly ventures grandly wins,13
And earns a brilliant pardon for all sins.14