Look now on that Adventurer who hath paid...

Look now on that Adventurer who hath paid

His vows to Fortune; who, in cruel slight

Of virtuous hope, of liberty, and right,

Hath followed wheresoe'er a way was made

By the blind Goddess,— ruthless, undismayed;

And so hath gained at length a prosperous height,

Round which the elements of worldly might

Beneath his haughty feet, like clouds, are laid.

O joyless power that stands by lawless force!

Curses are his dire portion, scorn, and hate,

Internal darkness and unquiet breath;

And, if old judgments keep their sacred course,

Him from that height shall Heaven precipitate

By violent and ignominious death.