Dare we indeed challenge the dead to inspect us? Have we "no inner
vileness" that we would not have them discover? Would the Poet be lessened
in Hallam's esteem and affection, when "some hidden shame" was exposed?
No,
"There must be wisdom with great Death:
The dead shall look me thro' and thro'."
* * * * *
"They watch, like God, the rolling hours
With larger other eyes than ours,
To make allowance for us all."