...still very lovable-

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(by temperance the body lives long and in peace in this world and the soul has life everlasting.  this virtue ought to be kept above all the others by reason of the great good that it doth.  first, temperance is the guard of reason, understanding and sense and the man without sense is a beast... temperance is none other than right measure, which is midway between too much and too little; man ought to have measure in all things in his heart, and in his sense, for he is even as a bird that guideth itself by the eye of temperance, and oftentimes flieth away and falleth into the net of the fowler, to wit of the devil, who often hunteth to take that bird.)

immoderate heart, restless and reckless, bind to these words.  so it seems, no matter the intent, a ragged world is content only with restraint and abstention; a mind of kind is loudly praised in fiction and theater, but strictly as comedic or tragic.  there must be a quieter victory, i think.  though you, dear heart, are categorically compelled, there seems to be no place for you save for the annals of the Goodman to his young wife, forever ago. and so it is decided, intemperate heart, be still, be safe, be silent, be secret.

it is not, nor it cannot come to good. but break, my heart, for i must hold my tongue (I,ii: L160-161)

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