Behold now this vast city [London]; a city of refuge, the mansion-house of liberty, encompassed and surrounded with His protection.

Sometime let gorgeous Tragedy In sceptred pall come sweeping by, Presenting Thebes, or Pelops' line, Or the tale of Troy divine.

Our two first parents, yet the only two Of mankind, in the happy garden placed, Reaping immortal fruits of joy and love, Uninterrupted joy, unrivalled love In blissful solitude.

The strongest and the fiercest spirit That fought in heaven, now fiercer by despair.

Evil on itself shall back recoil.

So scented the grim Feature, and upturn'd His nostril wide into the murky air, Sagacious of his quarry from so far.

Our reason is our law.