Loth to forsake the spot, and still more loth 330 To be diverted from our present theme, I said, "My thoughts, agreeing, Sir, with yours, Would push this censure farther;--for, if smiles Of scornful pity be the just reward Of Poesy thus courteously employed 335 In framing models to improve the scheme Of Man's existence, and recast the world, Why should not grave Philosophy be styled, Herself, a dreamer of a kindred stock, A dreamer yet more spiritless and dull? 340 Yes, shall the fine immunities she boasts[240] Establish sounder titles of esteem For her, who (all too timid and reserved For onset, for resistance too inert, Too weak for suffering, and for hope too tame) 345 Placed, among[241] flowery gardens curtained round With world-excluding groves, the brotherhood Of soft Epicureans,[DF] taught--if they The ends of being would secure, and win The crown of wisdom--to yield up their souls 350 To a voluptuous unconcern, preferring Tranquillity to all things. Or is she," I cried, "more worthy of regard, the Power, Who, for the sake of sterner quiet, closed The Stoic's[DG] heart against the vain approach 355 Of admiration, and all sense of joy?" His countenance gave notice that my zeal Accorded little with his present mind; I ceased, and he resumed.--"Ah! gentle Sir, Slight, if you will, the _means_; but spare to slight 360 The _end_ of those, who did, by system, rank, As the prime object of a wise man's aim, Security from shock of accident, Release from fear; and cherished peaceful days For their own sakes, as mortal life's chief good, 365 And only reasonable felicity. What motive drew, what impulse, I would ask, Through a long course of later ages, drove The hermit to his cell in forest wide; Or what detained him, till his closing eyes 370 Took their last farewell of the sun and stars, Fast anchored in the desert?--Not alone Dread of the persecuting sword, remorse, Wrongs unredressed, or insults unavenged And unavengeable, defeated pride, 375 Prosperity subverted, maddening want, Friendship betrayed, affection unreturned, Love with despair, or grief in agony;-- Not always from intolerable pangs 379 He fled; but, compassed round by pleasure, sighed For independent happiness; craving peace, The central feeling of all happiness, Not as a refuge from distress or pain, A breathing-time, vacation, or a truce, But for its absolute self; a life of peace, 385 Stability without regret or fear; That hath been, is, and shall be evermore!-- Such the reward he sought; and wore out life,