Abash'd the Devil stood, And felt how awful goodness is.

Virtue that wavers is not virtue, but vice revolted from itself, and after a while returning. The actions of just and pious men do not darken in their middle course.

Let her (Truth) and Falsehood grapple; who ever knew Truth put to the worse in a free and open encounter?

Believe and be confirmed.

Yet I argue not Against Heav'n's hand or will, nor bate a jot Of heart or hope; but still bear up and steer Right onward.

Such sweet compulsion doth in music lie.

He who would not be frustrate of his hope to write well hereafter in laudable things ought himself to be a true poem.