Every substantial form, that segregate
From matter is, and with it is united,Specific power has in itself collected,
Which without act is not perceptible,Nor shows itself except by its effect,As life does in a plant by the green leaves.
But still, whence cometh the intelligenceOf the first notions, man is ignorant,And the affection for the first allurements,
Which are in you as instinct in the beeTo make its honey; and this first desireMerit of praise or blame containeth not.
Now, that to this all others may be gathered,Innate within you is the power that counsels,And it should keep the threshold of assent.
This is the principle, from which is takenOccasion of desert in you, accordingAs good and guilty loves it takes and winnows.
Those who, in reasoning, to the bottom went,Were of this innate liberty aware,Therefore bequeathed they Ethics to the world.