The temptation is developed in
such a way that every point supposed to be weak is attacked. "You may
be what you claim to be," insinuates the devil, "but are rustic."
"Thy life hath yet been private, most part spent
At home, scarce view'd the Galilean towns,
And once a year Jerusalem."
(P. R. iii. 232-4.)
Experience and alliances are plausibly urged as indispensable for
success. But Jesus knew that the sum total of a man's power for good is
precisely what of good there is in him and that if it be expressed even
in the simplest form, all its strength is put forth and its office is
fulfilled. To suppose that it can be augmented by machinery is a
foolish delusion. The
"projects deep
Of enemies, of aids, battles and leagues,
Plausible to the world"
(P. R. iii. 395-3.)
are to the Founder of the kingdom not of this world "worth naught."
Another side of the mountain is tried. Rome is presented with Tiberius
at Capreae. Could it possibly be anything but a noble deed to
"expel this monster from his throne
Now made a sty, and in his place ascending,
A victor people free from servile yoke!"
(P.
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