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93
XIV. POETS ADMITTED TO THE CITY OF GOD.
“Quique pii vates, et Phæbo digna locuti;—
Omnibus his niveâ cinguntur tempora vittâ.”
Æn vi.
Omnibus his niveâ cinguntur tempora vittâ.”
Æn vi.
But He—Who all things which to us belong
Hath ta'en unto Himself, and with the coal
From off His altar touch'd the human soul—
Hath sanctified and bless'd the Poet's song,
To set forth wisdom and make virtue strong;
By all that is upon the Prophet's roll,
And David, mightier with the poet's scroll
Than with the kingly sceptre, to prolong
A kingdom in men's hearts. But the true Seer
At the sole well of life must drink most deep,
By prayer and deeds of alms and life severe;
Or nature's inbred taint those streams will steep,
Conveying their own love, and hate, and fear;
And over his own issues he shall weep.
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