in second childhood

"But you are in second childhood, Michael," I tell myself.

How must ill-boding horrors fill her breast, When she beholds men mark'd above the rest For qualities most dear, plung'd from that height, And sunk, deep sunk, in second childhood's night!

Why, the man must be in second childhood.

And if a king such order gave, In second childhood, passion's slave, What son within his heart would lay The senseless order, and obey?

Doge! this vacillation is unworthy A child; if you are not in second childhood, Call back your nerves to your own purpose, nor Thus shame yourself and me.