Belief, in various senses understood,
Is man's severest curse, or surest good.
Thus, in the meads where hallow'd Jordan glides,
Enriching Palestine with copious tides,
Where springs the branching palm, where streams the oil,
Where fruitful vineyards bless the peasant's toil;
Deep in the heart of Siddim's odious vale,
Impregnating with death each tainted gale,
The black Asphaltes from its slimy bed
Sees pitchy clouds, sulphureous vapours, spread.