CANTO iv. OF GOOD AND EVIL. 161 



Renascent joys from irritation spring, 



Stretch the long root, or wave the aurelian wing. 



" When thus a squadron or an army yields, 

 And festering carnage loads the waves or fields; 

 When few from famines or from plagues survive, 

 Or earthquakes swallow half a realm alive; 

 While Nature sinks in Time's destructive storms, 



i 



The wrecks of Death are but a change of forms; 



Emerging matter from the grave returns, 



Feels new desires, with new sensations burns; 400 



With youth's first bloom a finer sense acquires, 



And Loves and Pleasures fan the rising fires. 



Thus sainted PAUL, * O Death!' exulting cries, 



* Where is thy sting? O Grave! thy victories?' 



Thus sainted Paul, 1. 403. The doctrine of St. Paul teaches the 

 resurrection of the body in an incorruptible and glorified state, with 

 consciousness of its previous existence; he therefore justly exults 

 over the sting of death, and the victory of the grave. 



