In him inexplicably mixed appeared

Much to be loved and hated, sought and feared; 290

Opinion varying o'er his hidden lot,[jn]

In praise or railing ne'er his name forgot:

His silence formed a theme for others' prate—

They guessed—they gazed—they fain would know his fate.

What had he been? what was he, thus unknown,

Who walked their world, his lineage only known?

A hater of his kind? yet some would say,

With them he could seem gay amidst the gay;[jo]

But owned that smile, if oft observed and near,

Waned in its mirth, and withered to a sneer; 300

That smile might reach his lip, but passed not by,

Nor e'er could trace its laughter to his eye:

Yet there was softness too in his regard,

At times, a heart as not by nature hard,

But once perceived, his Spirit seemed to chide

Such weakness, as unworthy of its pride,

And steeled itself, as scorning to redeem

One doubt from others' half withheld esteem;

In self-inflicted penance of a breast

Which Tenderness might once have wrung from Rest; 310

In vigilance of Grief that would compel

The soul to hate for having loved too well.[274]