"Were this same spear, which in my hand I grasp, The British sceptre, here would I to thee 155 The symbol yield; and would undo this clasp, If it confined the robe of sovereignty. Odious to me the pomp of regal court, And joyless sylvan sport, While thou art roving, wretched and forlorn, 160 Thy couch the dewy earth, thy roof the forest thorn!" Then Artegal thus spake: "I only sought, Within this realm a place of safe retreat; Beware of rousing an ambitious thought; Beware of kindling hopes, for me unmeet! 165 Thou art reputed wise, but in my mind Art pitiably blind: Full soon this generous purpose thou may'st rue, When that which has been done[63] no wishes can undo. "Who, when a crown is fixed upon his head, 170 Would balance claim with claim, and right with right? But thou--I know not how inspired, how led-- Wouldst change the course of things in all men's sight! And this for one who cannot imitate Thy virtue, who may hate: 175 For, if, by such strange sacrifice restored, He reign, thou still must be his king, and sovereign lord; "Lifted in magnanimity above Aught that my feeble nature could perform, Or even conceive; surpassing me in love 180 Far as in power the eagle doth the worm: I, Brother! only should be king in name, And govern to my shame; A shadow in a hated land, while all Of glad or willing service to thy share would fall." 185 "Believe it not," said Elidure; "respect Awaits on virtuous life, and ever most Attends on goodness with dominion decked, Which stands the universal empire's boast; This can thy own experience testify: 190 Nor shall thy foes deny That, in the gracious opening of thy reign, Our father's spirit seemed in thee to breathe again. "And what if o'er that bright unbosoming Clouds of disgrace and envious fortune past! 195 Have we not seen the glories of the spring By veil of noontide darkness overcast? The frith[64] that glittered like a warrior's shield, The sky, the gay green field, Are vanished; gladness ceases in the groves, 200 And trepidation strikes the blackened mountain-coves. "But is that gloom dissolved? how passing clear Seems the wide world, far brighter than before! Even so thy latent worth will re-appear, Gladdening the people's heart[65] from shore to shore; 205 For youthful faults ripe virtues shall atone; Re-seated on thy throne, Proof shalt thou furnish that misfortune, pain, And sorrow, have confirmed thy native[66] right to reign.