I have had courage to accuse;
And a fine wit that could upbraid;
And a nice cunning that could bruise;
And a shrewd wisdom, unafraid
Of what weak mortals fear to lose.I have had virtue to despise
The sophistry of pious fools'
I have had firmness to chastise'
An intellect to make me rules,
To estimate and exorcise.I have had knowledge to be true;
My faith could obstacles remove.
But now, by failure taught anew,
I would have courage not to love,
And lay aside the strength I knew.