“For why should creature man not strive for good, And evil fly, to gain eternal joy; Climb Pisgah’s height, where Hebrew prophet stood, And gaze the ‘promised land,’ where no alloy, But pleasures manifold for e’er employ Those who have cross’d by faith dark Jordan’s stream; There sin doth ever flee, nor care annoy, In that unsullied state, whose light doth beam, A holy radiance shed--‘Redeeming love’ the theme. CCXII. “And all that pleasant is through earth dispread, How chequer’d all things with its opposite; The azure sky with clouds soon overspread, Zephyr the storm, heat cold, and day the night, And summer’s glow by burly winter’s might; So human joy and sorrow mingled flow, Else earth would bind us with too much delight, And thus enchain the soul to things below. Oh! blessed, holy cross, that doth our folly show. CCXIII. “What love and pity for our fallen state-- Almighty arms extended, us to save! Who of ourselves could not release our fate, But unredeemed sink hopeless to the grave. Thrice blessed gift that proffered mercy gave In that vicarious sacrifice of love! Whom scorn and cruel death did righteous brave, All for our good, who did but rebels prove. Oh! love of heav’nly God, such clemency to move! CCXIV. “But list! we must break off, a well-known tread Comes softly hither, sent by my good lord, That bids me linger not, but quickly sped, Nor longer discourse can for you afford, Though willingly I would, be ye assured, On works of highest God for you relate, So that some truths my feeble speech record. Dan Fantasy holds audience, and doth wait Anon my presence, whilst Sir Page attends ye straight.” CCXV. With that Sir Page, with courtier-like address, Eftsoons his message to the bard made known; Then ’gan adroitly marshal lead the press To where the stately pile ’mid cedars frown, That brought them to the entrance hall we’ve shown; When here the poet waved the crowd adieu, And onward passed, from their lost sight soon flown, When he, Sir varlet Page, attention drew To ante-room, to doff their borrowed garments new. CCXVI. And as he did disrobe from their attire, Each to resume his own habiliment, A roguish chuckle, with an elfish leer, Upon his pliant features came and went, Show’d mischief lurked, but was suppress’d instant; And then anon obsequious seen to stand, And bowed his head, and low like courtier bent; With graceful stride then led the motley band, Where Herald mounted rode in outer court at hand. CCXVII.