Heaven's high providence in vainHas sever'd countries with the estranging main,If our vessels ne'erthelessWith reckless plunge that sacred bar transgress.Daring all, their goal to win,Men tread forbidden ground, and rush on sin:Daring all, Prometheus play'dHis wily game, and fire to man convey'd;Soon as fire was stolen away,Pale Fever's stranger host and wan DecaySwept o'er earth's polluted face,And slow Fate quicken'd Death's once halting pace.Daedalus the void air triedOn wings, to humankind by Heaven denied;Acheron's bar gave way with easeBefore the arm of labouring Hercules.Nought is there for man too high;Our impious folly e'en would climb the sky,Braves the dweller on the steep,Nor lets the bolts of heavenly vengeance sleep.