And therefore our author feigns, that those who have been active in the world, and have lived with political and moral virtues, show themselves in the sphere of Mercury, because Mercury exercises such influence, according to the astrologers, as has been shown; but it is in man’s free will to follow the good influence and avoid the bad, and hence springs the merit and demerit.” Milton, “Lycidas,” 70:⁠— “Fame is the spur that the clear spirit doth raise, (That last infirmity of noble mind,) To scorn delights, and live laborious days; But the fair guerdon when we hope to find, And think to burst out into sudden blaze, Comes the blind Fury with the abhorred shears And slits the thin-spun life. ‘But not the praise,’ Phoebus replied, and touched my trembling ears: ‘Fame is no plant that grows on mortal soil, Nor in the glistering foil Set off to the world, nor in broad rumor lies; But lives and spreads aloft by those pure eyes, And perfect witness of all-judging Jove: As he pronounces lastly on each deed, Of so much fame in heaven expect thy meed.’ ” ↩

• Piccarda, Canto III 70, says:⁠— “Brother, our will is quieted by virtue Of charity, that makes us wish alone For what we have, nor gives us thirst for more.” ↩