CANTO iv. OF GOOD AND EVIL. 167 



And high in golden characters record 



The immense munificence of NATURE'S LORD! 



" He gives and guides the sun's attractive force, 

 And steers the planets in their silver course ; 

 With heat and light revives the golden day, 

 And breathes his spirit on organic clay; 4(50 



With hand unseen directs the general cause 

 By firm immutable immortal laws/' 



Charm'd with her words the Muse astonish'd stands, 



" ^ - - Tt f ' * -If " '".. 



The Nymphs enraptured clasp their velvet hands; 

 Applausive thunder from the fane recoils, 

 And holy echoes peal along the ailes; 

 O'er NATURE'S shrine celestial lustres glow, 

 And lambent glories circle round her brow. 



duce a new world; which in process of time may resemble the pre- 

 sent one, and at length again undergo the same catastrophe! these 

 great events may he the result of the immutable laws impressed on 

 matter by the Great Cause of Causes, Parent of Parents, Ens Entium! 



