"And, puzzled, blinded thus, we lose Distinctions that are plain and few: 30 These find I graven on my heart: _That_ tells me what to do." "The Creatures see of flood and field, And those that travel on the wind! With them no strife can last; they live In peace, and peace of mind." "For why?--because the good old Rule Sufficeth them, the simple Plan, That they should take who have the power, And they should keep who can." 40 "A lesson which is quickly learn'd, A signal this which all can see! Thus nothing here provokes the Strong To wanton cruelty." "All freakishness of mind is check'd; He tam'd, who foolishly aspires; While to the measure of his might Each fashions his desires." "All Kinds, and Creatures, stand and fall By strength of prowess or of wit: 50 Tis God's appointment who must sway, And who is to submit." "Since then," said Robin, "right is plain, And longest life is but a day; To have my ends, maintain my rights, I'll take the shortest way." And thus among these rocks he liv'd, Through summer's heat and winter's snow: The Eagle, he was Lord above, And Rob was Lord below. 60 So was it--_would_, at least, have been But through untowardness of fate: For Polity was then too strong; He came an age too late, Or shall we say an age too soon? For, were the bold Man living _now_, How might he flourish in his pride, With buds on every bough! Then rents and Factors, rights of chace, Sheriffs, and Lairds and their domains 70 Would all have seem'd but paltry things, Not worth a moment's pains. Rob Roy had never linger'd here, To these few meagre Vales confin'd; But thought how wide the world, the times How fairly to his mind! And to his Sword he would have said, "Do Thou my sovereign will enact From land to land through half the earth! Judge thou of law and fact!" 80 "Tis fit that we should do our part; Becoming, that mankind should learn That we are not to be surpass'd In fatherly concern." "Of old things all are over old, Of good things none are good enough:-- We'll shew that we can help to frame A world of other stuff." "I, too, will have my Kings that take From me the sign of life and death: 90 Kingdoms shall shift about, like clouds, Obedient to my breath." And, if the word had been fulfill'd, As _might_ have been, then, thought of joy! France would have had her present Boast; And we our brave Rob Roy! Oh! say not so; compare them not; I would not wrong thee, Champion brave! Would wrong thee no where; least of all Here standing by thy Grave. 100