Ion (1835)

• So his life has flowed
  From its mysterious urn a sacred stream,
  In whose calm depth the beautiful and pure
  Alone are mirrored; which, though shapes of ill
  May hover round its surface, glides in light,
  And takes no shadow from them.
  • Act i. Sc. 1.

• ’T is a little thing
  To give a cup of water; yet its draught
  Of cool refreshment, drained by fevered lips,
  May give a shock of pleasure to the frame
  More exquisite than when nectarean juice
  Renews the life of joy in happiest hours.
  • Act i. Sc. 2.

• Fill the seats of justice
  With good men, not so absolute in goodness
  As to forget what human frailty is.
  • Act v.

• In ourselves
  In our own honest hearts and chainless hands
  Will be our safeguard:
  • Act v.

• Nevermore
  Let the great interests of the State depend
  Upon the thousand chances that may sway
  A piece of human frailty; swear to me
  That ye will seek hereafter in yourselves
  The means of sovereignty.
  • Act v.