John Wilmots (Earl of Rochester) poems

A Fragment of Seneca Translated

After Death nothing is, and nothing, death, The utmost limit of a gasp of breath. et the ambitious !ealot la" aside #is hopes of hea$en, %hose faith is but his pride& et sla$ish souls la" b" their fear 'or be concerned %hich %a" nor %here After this life the" shall be hurled. Dead, %e become the lumber of the %orld, And to that mass of matter shall be s%ept Where things destro"ed %ith things unborn are (ept. De$ouring time s%allo%s us %hole. )mpartial death confounds bod" and soul. *or #ell and the foul fiend that rules +od,s e$erlasting fier" -ails (De$ised b" rogues, dreaded b" fools), With his grim, grisl" dog that (eeps the door, Are senseless stories, idle tales, Dreams, %himse"s, and no more.

A Satyre Against Mankind

Were ) . %ho to m" cost alread" am /ne of those strange, prodigious creatures, man . A spirit free to choose for m" o%n share What sort of flesh and blood ) pleased to %ear, ),d be a dog, a mon(e", or a bear, /r an"thing but that $ain animal, Who is so proud of being rational. #is senses are too gross& and he,ll contri$e A si0th, to contradict the other fi$e& And before certain instinct %ill prefer Reason, %hich fift" times for one does err. Reason, an ignis fatuus of the mind, Which lea$ing light of nature, sense, behind, 1athless and dangerous %and,ring %a"s it ta(es, Through Error,s fenn" bogs and thorn" bra(es& Whilst the misguided follo%er climbs %ith pain 2ountains of %himse"s, heaped in his o%n brain& 3tumbling from thought to thought, falls headlong do%n, )nto Doubt,s boundless sea %here, li(e to dro%n,

4oo(s bear him up a%hile, and ma(e him tr" To s%im %ith bladders of 1hilosoph"& )n hopes still to o,erta(e the escaping light& The $apour dances, in his dancing sight, Till spent, it lea$es him to eternal night. Then old age and e0perience, hand in hand, ead him to death, ma(e him to understand, After a search so painful, and so long, That all his life he has been in the %rong5 #uddled )n dirt the reasoning engine lies, Who %as so proud, so %itt", and so %ise. 1ride dre% him in, as cheats their bubbles catch, And made him $enture& to be made a %retch. #is %isdom did has happiness destro", Aiming to (no% that %orld he should en-o"& And Wit %as his $ain, fri$olous pretence /f pleasing others, at his o%n e0pense. *or %its are treated -ust li(e common %hores, *irst the",re en-o"ed, and then (ic(ed out of doors& The pleasure past, a threatening doubt remains, That frights th, en-o"er %ith succeeding pains5 Women and men of %it are dangerous tools, And e$er fatal to admiring fools. 1leasure allures, and %hen the fops escape, ,Tis not that the",re belo$ed, but fortunate, And therefore %hat the" fear, at heart the" hate5 4ut no%, methin(s some formal band and beard Ta(es me to tas(& come on sir, ),m prepared5 6Then b" "our *a$our, an"thing that,s %rit Against this -ibing, -ingling (nac( called Wit i(es me abundantl"5 but "ou ta(e care 7pon this point not to be too se$ere. 1erhaps m" 2use %ere fitter for this part, *or ) profess ) can be $er" smart /n Wit, %hich ) abhor %ith all m" heart& ) long to lash it in some sharp essa", 4ut "our grand indiscretion bids me sta", And turns m" tide of in( another %a". What rage Torments in "our degenerate mind, To ma(e "ou rail at reason, and man(ind 4lessed glorious man8 To %hom alone (ind hea$en

An e$erlasting soul hath freel" gi$en& Whom his great ma(er too( such care to ma(e, That from himself he did the image ta(e& And this fair frame in shining reason dressed, To dignif" his nature abo$e beast. Reason, b" %hose aspiring influence We ta(e a flight be"ond material sense, Di$e into m"steries, then soaring pierce The flaming limits of the uni$erse, 3earch hea$en and hell, *ind out %hat,s acted there, And gi$e the %orld true grounds of hope and fear.6 #old might" man, ) cr", all this %e (no%, *rom the pathetic pen of )ngelo& *rom 1atrlc(,s 1ilgrim, 3ibbes, 3olilo9uies, And ,tis this $er" reason ) despise, This supernatural gift that ma(es a mite Thin( he,s an image of the infinite& :omparing his short life, $oid of all rest, To the eternal, and the e$er.blessed. This bus", pushing stirrer.up of doubt, That frames deep m"steries, then finds them out& *illing %ith frantic cro%ds of thin(ing fools The re$erend bedlam,s, colleges and schools& 4orne on %hose %ings each hea$" sot can pierce The limits of the boundless uni$erse& 3o charming ointments ma(e an old %itch fl", And bear a crippled carcass through the s(". ,Tis the e0alted po%er %hose business lies )n nonsense and impossibilities. This made a %himsical philosopher 4efore the spacious %orld his tub prefer, And %e ha$e modern cloistered co0combs, %ho Retire to thin( ,cause the" ha$e nought to do. 4ut thoughts are gi$en for action,s go$ernment& Where action ceases, thought,s impertinent5 /ur sphere of action is life,s happiness, And he that thin(s be"ond thin(s li(e an ass. Thus, %hilst against false reasoning ) in$eigh. ) o%n right reason, %hich ) %ould obe"5 That reason %hich distinguishes b" sense, And gi$es us rules of good and ill from thence& That bounds desires. %ith a reforming %ill

To (eep ,em more in $igour, not to (ill. . ;our reason hinders, mine helps to en-o", Rene%ing appetites "ours %ould destro". 2" reason is m" friend, "ours is a cheat, #unger calls out, m" reason bids me eat& 1er$ersel". "ours "our appetite does moc(5 This as(s for food, that ans%ers, ,%hat,s o,cloc(, This plain distinction, sir, "our doubt secures, ,Tis not true reason ) despise, but "ours. Thus ) thin( reason righted, but for man, ),ll ne,er recant, defend him if "ou can5 *or all his pride, and his philosoph", ,Tis e$ident5 beasts are in their o%n degree As %ise at least, and better far than he. Those creatures are the %isest %ho attain. . 4" surest means. the ends at %hich the" aim. )f therefore Jo%ler finds and (ills the hares, 4etter than 2eres supplies committee chairs& Though one,s a statesman, th, other but a hound, Jo%ler in -ustice %ould be %iser found. ;ou see ho% far man,s %isdom here e0tends. oo( ne0t if human nature ma(es amends& Whose principles are most generous and -ust, . And to %hose morals "ou %ould sooner trust5 4e -udge "ourself, ),ll bring it to the test, Which is the basest creature, man or beast 4irds feed on birds, beasts on each other pre", 4ut sa$age man alone does man betra"5 1ressed b" necessit"& the" (ill for food, 2an undoes man, to do himself no good. With teeth and cla%s, b" nature armed, the" hunt 'ature,s allo%ance, to suppl" their %ant. 4ut man, %ith smiles, embraces. friendships. 1raise, )nhumanel" his fello%,s life betra"s& With $oluntar" pains %or(s his distress, 'ot through necessit", but %antonness. *or hunger or for lo$e the" bite, or tear, Whilst %retched man is still in arms for fear. *or fear he arms, and is of arms afraid5 *rom fear, to fear, successi$el" betra"ed. 4ase fear, the source %hence his best passions came. #is boasted honour, and his dear.bought fame.

The lust of po%er, to %hom he,s such a sla$e, And for the %hich alone he dares be bra$e& To %hich his $arious pro-ects are designed, Which ma(es him generous, affable, and (ind. *or %hich he ta(es such pains to be thought %ise, And scre%s his actions, in a forced disguise& eads a most tedious life in miser", 7nder laborious, mean h"pocris". oo( to the bottom of his $ast design, Wherein man,s %isdom, po%er, and glor" -oin5 The good he acts. the ill he does endure. ,Tis all from fear, to ma(e himself secure. 2erel" for safet" after fame the" thirst, *or all men %ould be co%ards if the" durst. And honest",s against all common sense, 2en must be (na$es, ,tis in their o%n defence. 2an(ind,s dishonest5 if "ou thin( it fair Among (no%n cheats to pla" upon the s9uare, ;ou,ll be undone. 'or can %ea( truth "our reputation sa$e, The (na$es %ill all agree to call "ou (na$e. Wronged shall he li$e, insulted o,er, oppressed, Who dares be less a $illain than the rest. Thus sir, "ou see %hat human nature cra$es, 2ost men are co%ards, all men should be (na$es& The difference lies, as far as ) can see. 'ot in the thing itself, but the degree& And all the sub-ect matter of debate )s onl", %ho,s a (na$e of the first rate All this %ith indignation ha$e ) hurled At the pretending part of the proud %orld, Who, s%ollen %ith selfish $anit", de$ise, *alse freedoms, hol" cheats, and formal lies, /$er their fello% sla$es to t"rannise. 4ut if in :ourt so -ust a man there be, ()n :ourt, a -ust man . "et un(no%n to me) Who does his needful flatter" direct 'ot to oppress and ruin, but protect5 3ince flatter", %hich %a" soe$er laid, )s still a ta05 on that unhapp" trade. )f so upright a statesman "ou can find,

Whose passions bend to his unbiased mind, Who does his arts and policies appl" To raise his countr", not his famil"& 'or %hile his pride o%ned a$arice %ithstands, Recei$es close bribes, from friends corrupted hands. )s there a churchman %ho on +od relies Whose life, his faith and doctrine -ustifies 'ot one blo%n up, %ith $ain prelatic pride, Who for reproofs of sins does man deride& Whose en$ious heart ma(es preaching a pretence With his obstreperous, sauc" elo9uence, To chide at (ings, and rail at men of sense& Who from his pulpit $ents more pee$lsh lies, 2ore bitter railings, scandals, calumnies, Than at a gossiping are thro%n about When the good %i$es get drun(, and then fall out. 'one of that sensual tribe, %hose talents lie )n a$arice, pride, sloth, and glutton". Who hunt good li$ings& but abhor good li$es, Whose lust e0alted, to that height arri$es, The" act adulter" %ith their o%n %i$es. And ere a score of "ears completed be, :an from the loftiest pulpit proudl" see, #alf a large parish their o%n progen". 'or doting bishop, %ho %ould be adored *or domineering at the :ouncil board& A greater fop, in business at fourscore, *onder of serious to"s, affected more, Than the ga", glittering fool at t%ent" pro$es, With all his noise, his ta%dr" clothes and lo$es. 4ut a mee(, humble man, of honest sense, Who preaching peace does practise continence& Whose pious life,s a proof he does belie$e 2"sterious truths %hich no man can concei$e. )f upon Earth there d%ell such god.li(e men, ),ll here recant m" parado0 to them, Adores those shrines of $irtue, homage pa", And %ith the rabble %orld their la%s obe". )f such there are, "et grant me this at least, 2an differs more from man than man from beast.

A Song of a Young Lady to Her Ancient Lover

Ancient 1erson, for %hom ) All the flattering "outh def", ong be it e,er thou gro% old, Aching, sha(ing, cra!" cold& 4ut still continue as thou art, Ancient 1erson of m" heart. /n th" %ithered lips and dr", Which li(e barren furro%s lie, 4rooding (isses ) %ill pour, 3hall th" "outhful heart restore, 3uch (ind sho%,rs in autumn fall, And a second spring recall& 'or from thee %ill e$er part, Ancient 1erson of m" heart. Th" nobler parts, %hich but to name )n our se0 %ould be counted shame, 4" ages fro!en grasp possest, *rom their ice shall be released, And, soothed b" m" re$i$ing hand, )n former %armth and $igour stand. All a lo$er,s %ish can reach, *or th" -o" m" lo$e shall teach& And for th" pleasure shall impro$e All that art can add to lo$e. ;et still ) lo$e thee %ithout art, Ancient 1erson of m" heart.

A Woman's Honour
o$e bade me hope, and ) obe"ed& 1h"llis continued still un(ind5 Then "ou ma" e,en despair, he said, )n $ain ) stri$e to change her mind. #onour,s got in, and (eeps her heart, Durst he but $enture once abroad, )n m" o%n right ),d ta(e "our part, And sho% m"self the mightier +od. This huffing #onour domineers

)n breasts alone %here he has place5 4ut if true generous o$e apppears, The hector dares not sho% his face. et me still languish and complain, 4e most unhumanl" denied5 ) ha$e some pleasure in m" pain, 3he can ha$e none %ith all her pride. ) fall a sacrifice to o$e, 3he li$es a %retch for #onour,s sa(e& Whose t"rant does most cruel pro$e, The difference is not hard to ma(e. :onsider real #onour then, ;ou,ll find hers cannot be the same& ,Tis noble confidence in men, )n %omen, mean, mistrustful shame.

Absent of Thee Languish Still

Absent from thee ) languish still& Then as( me not, %hen ) return< The stra"ing fool ,t%ill plainl" (ill To %ish all da", all night to mourn. Dear8 from thine arms then let me fl", That m" fantastic mind ma" pro$e The torments it deser$es to tr" That tears m" fi0ed heart from m" lo$e. When, %earied %ith a %orld of %oe, To th" safe bosom ) retire %here lo$e and peace and truth does flo%, 2a" ) contented there e0pire, est, once more %andering from that hea$en, ) fall on some base heart unblest, *aithless to thee, false, unforgi$en, And lose m" e$erlasting rest.

All My !ast Life"""

All m" past life is mine no more, The fl"ing hours are gone,

i(e transitor" dreams gi$en o,er, Whose images are (ept in store 4" memor" alone. What e$er is to come is not, #o% can it then be mine< The present moment,s all m" lot, And that as fast as it is got, 1h"llis, is %holl" thine. Then tal( not of inconstanc", *alse hearts, and bro(en $o%s, )i, b" miracle, can be, This li$e.long minute true to thee, ,Tis all that hea$en allo%s.

#onstancy
) cannot change, as others do, Though "ou un-ustl" scorn& 3ince that poor s%ain, that sighs for "ou *or "ou alone %as born. 'o, 1h"llis, no, "our heart to mo$e A surer %a" ),ll tr"5 And to re$enge m" slighted lo$e, Will still lo$e on, %ill still lo$e on, and die. When, (ill,d %ith grief, Am"ntas lies& And "ou to mind shall call The sighs that no% unpitied rise& The tears that $ainl" fall5 That %elcome hour that ends this smart, Will then begin "our pain& *or such a faithful, tender heart :an ne$er brea(, can ne$er brea( in $ain.

$%ita%h on #harles
#ere lies a great and might" =ing, Whose promise none relied on& #e ne$er said a foolish thing, 'or e$er did a %ise one.

&ive Me Leave to 'ail at You

+i$e me lea$e to rail at "ou, . ) as( nothing but m" due5 To call "ou false, and then to sa" ;ou shall not (eep m" heart a da". 4ut alas8 against m" %ill ) must be "our capti$e still. Ah8 be (inder, then, for ) :annot change, and %ould not die. =indness has resistless charms& All besides but %ea(l" mo$e& *iercest anger it disarms, And clips the %ings of fl"ing lo$e. 4eaut" does the heart in$ade, =indness onl" can persuade& )t gilds the lo$er,s ser$ile chain, And ma(es the sla$e gro% pleased again.

#annot #hange( As )thers *o

) cannot change, as others do, Though "ou un-ustl" scorn& 3ince that poor s%ain that sighs for "ou, *or "ou alone %as born. 'o, 1h"llis, no, "our heart to mo$e A surer %a" ),ll tr"5 And to re$enge m" slighted lo$e, Will still lo$e on, %ill still lo$e on, and die. When, (illed %ith grief, Amintas lies And "ou to mind shall call, The sighs that no% unpitied rise, The tears that $ainl" fall, That %elcome hour that ends this smart Will then begin "our pain& *or such a fauthful tender heart :an ne$er brea(, can ne$er brea( in $ain.

Love and Life

All m" past life is mine no more, The fl"ing hours are gone, i(e transitor" dreams gi$,n o,er, Whose images are (ept in store 4" memor" alone.

The time that is to come is not& #o% can it then be mine< The present moment,s all m" lot& And that, as fast as it is got, 1h"llis, is onl" thine. Then tal( not of inconstanc", *alse hearts, and bro(en $o%s& )f ), b" miracle, can be This li$e.long minute true to thee, ,Tis all that #ea$,n allo%s.

My *ear Mistress Has a Heart

2" dear mistress has a heart 3oft as those (ind loo(s she ga$e me, When %ith lo$e,s resistless art, And her e"es, she did ensla$e me& 4ut her constanc",s so %ea(, 3he,s so %ild and apt to %ander, That m" -ealous heart %ould brea( 3hould %e li$e one da" asunder. 2elting -o"s about her mo$e, =illing pleasures, %ounding blisses& 3he can dress her e"es in lo$e, And her lips can arm %ith (isses& Angels listen %hen she spea(s, 3he,s m" delight, all man(ind,s %onder& 4ut m" -ealous heart %ould brea( 3hould %e li$e one da" asunder.

!oems to Mulgrave and Scroo%e

Deare *riend. ) heare this To%ne does soe abound, With sa%c" :ensurers, that faults are found, With %hat of late %ee (in 1oeti9ue Rage) 4esto%ing, thre% a%a" on the dull Age& 4ut (ho%soe,re En$", their 3pleen ma" raise, To Robb m" 4ro%, of the deser$ed 4a"s) Their than(s at least ) merit since through me, The" are 1arta(ers of "our 1oetr"& And this is all, ),ll sa" in m" defence,

T,obtaine one ine, of "our %ell %orded 3ense ),d be content t,ha$e %rit the 4rittish 1rince. ),m none of those %ho thin(e themsel$es inspir,d, 'or %rite %ith the $aine hopes to be admir,d& 4ut from a Rule () ha$e upon long tr"all) T,a$o"d %ith care, all sort of self den"all. Which %a" soe,re desire and fanc" leade (:ontemning *ame) that 1ath ) boldl" tread& And if e0poseing %hat ) ta(e for Witt, To m" deare self, a 1leasure ) beget, 'oe matter tho, the :ensring :ritti9ue fret. Those %hom m" 2use displeases, are at strife With e9uall 3pleene, against m" :ourse of life, The least delight of %hich, ),d not forgoe, *or all the flatt,ring 1raise, 2an can besto%. )f ) designd to please the %a" %ere then, To mend m" 2anners, rather than m" 1en& The first,s unnaturall, therefore unfit, And for the 3econd, ) despair of it, 3ince +race, is not soe hard to get as Witt. 1erhaps ill >erses, ought to be confin,d, )n meere good 4reeding, li(e unsa$,r" Wind& Were Reading forc,d, ) shou,d be apt to thin(e 2en might noe more %rite scur$il", than stin(e5 4ut ,tis "our cho"ce, %hether "ou,ll Read, or noe, )f li(e%ise of "our smelling it %ere soe, ),d *art -ust as ) %rite, for m" o%ne ease, 'or shou,d "ou be concern,d, unlesse "ou please5 ),ll o%ne, that "ou %rite better than ) doe, 4ut ) ha$e as much need to %rite, as "ou. What though the E0crement of m" dull 4raine, Runns in a harsh, insipid 3traine, Whilst "our rich #ead, eases it self of Witt< 2ust none but :i$et.:atts, ha$e lea$e to shit< )n all ) %rite, shou,d 3ense, and Witt, and Rh"me *aile me at once, "et something soe 3ublime, 3hall stamp m" 1oem, that the World ma" see, )t cou,d ha$e beene produc,d, b" none but me. And that,s m" end, for 2an, can %ish noe more, Then soe to %rite, as none ere %rit before. ;et %h" am ) noe 1oet, of the t"mes< ) ha$e Allusions, 3imilies and Rh"mes,

And Witt, or else ,tis hard that ) alone, /f the %hole Race of 2an(ind, shou,d ha$e none. 7ne9uall", the 1artiall #and of #ea$,n, #as all but this one onl" 4lessing gi$,n& The World appeares li(e a great *amil", Whose ord opprest %ith 1ride, and 1o$ert", (That to a fe%, great 1lent" he ma" sho%) )s faine to star$e the 'um,rous Traine belo%5 Just soe seemes 1ro$idence, as poor and $aine, =eeping more :reatures, than it can maintaine. #ere ,tis profuse, and there it meanl" sa$es, And for /ne 1rince, it ma(es Ten Thousand 3la$es5 )n Witt alone, it has beene 2agnificent, /f %hich, soe -ust a share, to each is sent That the most A$aricious are content. *or none e,re thought, (the due Di$ision,s such), #is o%ne too little, or his *riends too much. ;et most 2en she%, or find great %ant of Witt, Writeing themsel$es, or Judging %hat is %rit5 4ut ), %ho am of sprightl" >igour full oo(e on 2an(ind, as En$ious, and dull. 4orne to m" self, m" self ) li(e alone, And must conclude m" Judgment good, or none. (*or shou,d m" 3ense be nought, ho% cou,d ) (no%, Whether another 2an,s, %ere good, or noe<) Thus, ) resol$e of m" o%ne 1oetr", That ,tis the best, and there,s a *ame for me. )f then ),m happ", %hat does it ad$ance, Whether to merit due, or Arrogance< /h8 but the World %ill ta(e offence thereb", Wh" then the World, shall suffer for,t, not ). Did e,re this sa%c" World, and ) agree< To let it ha$e its 4eastl" %ill on me< Wh" shou,d m" 1rostituted 3ense, be dra%ne, To e$,r" Rule, their must" :ustomes spa%ne< 4ut 2en, %ill :ensure "ou& Tis T%o to one When e,re the" :ensure, the",ll be in the %rong. There,s not a thing on Earth, that ) can name 3oe foolish, and soe false, as :ommon *ame. )t calls the :ourtier =na$e, the plaine 2an rude, #aught" the gra$e, and the delightfull e%d. )mpertinent the bris(e, 2orosse the sad, 2eane the *amiliar, the Reser$,d one 2ad.

1oor helplesse Woman, is not fa$our,d more 3he,s a sl"e #ipocr"te, or 1ubli9ue Whore. Then %ho the De$ill, %ou,d gi$e this .. to be free *rom th,)nnocent Reproach of )nfam"< These things consider,d, ma(e me (in despight /f idle Rumour,) (eepe at home, and %rite.

!ortsmouth's Looking &lass

2ethin(s ) see "ou, ne%l" risen *rom "our embroider,d 4ed and pissing, With studied mien and much grimace, 1resent "ourself before "our glass, To $anish and smooth o,er those graces, ;ou rubb,d off in "our 'ight Embraces.

Satyr
Were ) (%ho to m" cost alread" am /ne of those strange prodigious :reatures 2an) A 3pirit free, to choose for m" o%n share, What :ase of *lesh, and 4lood, ) pleas,d to %eare, ),d be a Dog, a 2on(e", or a 4ear, /r an" thing but that $ain Animal, Who is so proud of being rational. The senses are too gross, and he,ll contri$e A 3i0th, to contradict the other *i$e& And before certain instinct, %ill preferr Reason, %hich *ift" times for one does err. Reason, an )gnis fatuus, in the 2ind, Which lea$ing light of 'ature, sense behind& 1athless and dang,rous %andring %a"s it ta(es, Through errors *enn" .. 4oggs, and Thorn" 4ra(es& Whilst the misguided follo%er, climbs %ith pain, 2ountains of Whimse"s, heap,d in his o%n 4rain5 3tumbling from thought to thought, falls headlong do%n, )nto doubts boundless 3ea, %here li(e to dro%n, 4oo(s bear him up a%hile, and ma(e him tr", To s%im %ith 4ladders of 1hilosoph"& )n hopes still t,oreta(e th,escaping light, The >apour dances in his da!ling sight, Till spent, it lea$es him to eternal 'ight. Then /ld Age, and e0perience, hand in hand, ead him to death, and ma(e him understand, After a search so painful, and so long,

That all his ife he has been in the %rong& #udled in dirt, the reas,ning Engine l"es, Who %as so proud, so %itt", and so %ise. 1ride dre% him in, as :heats, their 4ubbles catch, And ma(es him $enture, to be made a Wretch. #is %isdom did his happiness destro", Aiming to (no% that World he shou,d en-o"& And Wit, %as his $ain fri$olous pretence, /f pleasing others, at his o%n e0pence. *or Witts are treated -ust li(e common Whores, *irst the",re en-o",d, and then (ic(t out of Doores5 The pleasure past, a threatning doubt remains, That frights th,en-o"er, %ith succeeding pains5 Women and 2en of Wit, are dang,rous Tools, And e$er fatal to admiring *ools. 1leasure allures, and %hen the *opps escape, ,Tis not that the",re belo$,d, but fortunate, And therefore %hat the" fear, at heart the" hate. 4ut no% methin(s some formal 4and, and 4eard, Ta(es me to tas(, come on 3ir ),m prepar,d. Then b" "our fa$our, an" thing that,s %rit Against this gibeing -ingling (nac( call,d Wit, i(es me abundantl", but "ou ta(e care, 7pon this point, not to be too se$ere. 1erhaps m" 2use, %ere fitter for this part, *or ) profess, ) can be $er" smart /n Wit, %hich ) abhor %ith all m" heart5 ) long to lash it in some sharp Essa", 4ut "our grand indiscretion bids me sta", And turns m" Tide of )n( another %a". What rage ferments in "our degen,rate mind, To ma(e "ou rail at Reason, and 2an(ind< 4lest glorious 2an8 to %hom alone (ind #ea$,n, An e$erlasting 3oul has freel" gi$,n& Whom his great 2a(er too( such care to ma(e, That from himself he did the )mage ta(e& And this fair frame, in shining Reason drest, To dignifie his 'ature, abo$e 4east. Reason, b" %hose aspiring influence, We ta(e a flight be"ond material sense, Di$e into 2"steries, then soaring pierce, The flaming limits of the 7ni$erse, 3earch #ea$,n and #ell, find out %hat,s acted there, And gi$e the World true grounds of hope and fear.

#old might" 2an, ) cr", all this %e (no%, *rom the 1atheti9ue 1en of )ngello& *rom 1atric(s 1ilgrim, 3tilling fleets repl"es, And ,tis this $er" reason ) despise. This supernatural gift, that ma(es a 2"te .. , Thin( he,s the )mage of the )nfinite5 :omparing his short life, $oid of all rest, To the Eternal, and the e$er blest. This busie, pu!ling, stirrer up of doubt, That frames deep 2"steries, then finds ,em out& *illing %ith *rantic( :ro%ds of thin(ing *ools, Those Re$erend 4edlams, :olledges, and 3chools& 4orne on %hose Wings, each hea$" 3ot can pierce, The limits of the boundless 7ni$erse. 3o charming /"ntments, ma(e an /ld Witch flie, And bear a :rippled :arcass through the 3(ie. ,Tis this e0alted 1o%,r, %hose bus,ness lies, )n 'onsense, and impossibilities. This made a Whimsical 1hilosopher, 4efore the spacious World, his Tub prefer, And %e ha$e modern :lo"sterd :o0combs, %ho Retire to thin(, cause the" ha$e naught to do. 4ut thoughts, are gi$,n, for Actions go$ernment, Where Action ceases, thoughts impertinent5 /ur 3phere of Action, is lifes happiness, And he %ho thin(s 4e"ond, thin(s li(e an Ass. Thus, %hilst against false reas,ning ) in$eigh, ) o%n right Reason, %hich ) %ou,d obe"5 That Reason that distinguishes b" sense, And gi$es us Rules, of good, and ill from thence5 That bounds desires, %ith a reforming Will, To (eep ,em more in $igour, not to (ill. ;our Reason hinders, mine helps t,en-o", Rene%ing Appetites, "ours %ou,d destro". 2" Reason is m" *riend, "ours is a :heat, #unger call,s out, m" Reason bids me eat& 1er$ersl" "ours, "our Appetite does moc(, This as(s for *ood, that ans%ers %hat,s a :loc(< This plain distinction 3ir "our doubt secures, ,Tis not true Reason ) despise but "ours. Thus ) thin( Reason righted, but for 2an, ),le nere recant defend him if "ou can. *or all his 1ride, and his 1hilosoph", ,Tis e$ident, 4easts are in their degree,

As %ise at least, and better far than he. Those :reatures, are the %isest %ho attain, 4" surest means, the ends at %hich the" aim. )f therefore Jo%ler, finds, and =ills his #ares, 4etter than 2eres, suppl"es :ommittee :hairs& Though one,s a 3tates.man, th,other but a #ound, Jo%ler, in Justice, %ou,d be %iser found. ;ou see ho% far 2ans %isedom here e0tends, oo( ne0t, if humane 'ature ma(es amends& Whose 1rinciples, most gen,rous are, and -ust, And to %hose 2oralls, "ou %ou,d sooner trust. 4e -udge "our self, ),le bring it to the test, Which is the basest :reature 2an, or 4east< 4irds, feed on 4irds, 4easts, on each other pre", 4ut 3a$age 2an alone, does 2an, betra"5 1rest b" necessit", the" =ill for *ood, 2an, undoes 2an, to do himself no good. With Teeth, and :la%s, b" 'ature arm,d the" hunt, 'atures allo%ance, to suppl" their %ant. 4ut 2an, %ith smiles, embraces, *riendships, praise, 7nhumanel" his *ello%s life betra"s& With $oluntar" pains, %or(s his distress, 'ot through necessit", but %antonness. *or hunger, or for o$e, the" fight, or tear, Whilst %retched 2an, is still in Arms for fear& *or fear he armes, and is of Armes afraid, 4" fear, to fear, successi$el" betra",d. 4ase fear, the source %hence his best passion came, #is boasted #onor, and his dear bought *ame. That lust of 1o%,r, to %hich he,s such a 3la$e, And for the %hich alone he dares be bra$e5 To %hich his $arious 1ro-ects are design,d, Which ma(es him gen,rous, affable, and (ind. *or %hich he ta(es such pains to be thought %ise, And scre%s his actions, in a forc,d disguise5 eading a tedious life in 2iser", 7nder laborious, mean #"pocrisie. oo( to the bottom, of his $ast design, Wherein 2ans Wisdom, 1o%,r, and +lor" -o"n& The good he acts, the ill he does endure, ,Tis all for fear, to ma(e himself secure. 2eerl" for safet", after *ame %e thirst, *or all 2en, %ou,d be :o%ards if the" durst. And honest",s against all common sense,

2en must be =na$es, ,tis in their o%n defence. 2an(ind,s dishonest, if "ou thin( it fair, Amongst (no%n :heats, to pla" upon the s9uare, ;ou,le be undone .. 'or can %ea( truth, "our reputation sa$e, The =na$es, %ill all agree to call "ou =na$e. Wrong,d shall he li$e, insulted o,re, opprest, Who dares be less a >illain, than the rest. Thus 3ir "ou see %hat humane 'ature cra$es, 2ost 2en are :o%ards, all 2en shou,d be =na$es5 The diff,rence l"es (as far as ) can see) 'ot in the thing it self, but the degree& And all the sub-ect matter of debate, )s onl" %ho,s a =na$e, of the first Rate< All this %ith indignation ha$e ) hurl,d, At the pretending part of the proud World, Who s%olne %ith selfish $anit", de$ise, *alse freedomes, hol" :heats, and formal "es /$er their fello% 3la$es to t"ranni!e. 4ut if in :ourt, so -ust a 2an there be, ()n :ourt, a -ust 2an, "et un(no%n to me) Who does his needful flatter" direct, 'ot to oppress, and ruine, but protect& 3ince flatter", %hich %a" so e$er laid, )s still a Ta0 on that unhapp" Trade. )f so upright a 3tates.2an, "ou can find, Whose passions bend to his unb"ass,d 2ind& Who does his Arts, and 1ollicies appl", To raise his :ountr", not his *amil"& 'or %hile his 1ride o%n,d A$arice %ithstands, Recei$es close 4ribes, from *riends corrupted hands. )s there a :hurch.2an %ho on +od rel"es< Whose ife, his *aith, and Doctrine Justifies< 'ot one blo%n up, %ith $ain 1relati9ue 1ride, Who for reproof of 3ins, does 2an deride5 Whose en$ious heart ma(es preaching a pretence With his obstrep,rous sa%c" Elo9uence, To chide at =ings, and raile at 2en of sense. Who from his 1ulpit, $ents more pee$ish "es, 2ore bitter railings, scandals, :alumnies, Than at a +ossipping, are thro%n about, When the good Wi$es, get drun(, and then fall out. 'one of that sensual Tribe, %hose Tallents l"e, )n A$arice, 1ride, 3loth, and +lutton".

Who hunt good i$ings, but abhor good i$es, Whose ust e0alted, to that height arri$es, The" act Adulter" %ith their o%n Wi$es. And e,re a score of ;ears compleated be, :an from the loft" 1ulpit proudl" see, #alf a large 1arish, their o%n 1rogen". 'or doating 4ishop %ho %ou,d be ador,d, *or domineering at the :ouncel 4oard& A greater *op, in business at *ourscore, *onder of serious To"es, affected more, Than the ga" glitt,ring *ool, at T%ent" pro$es, With all his noise, his ta%dre" :loths, and o$es. 4ut a mee( humble 2an, of honest sense, Who 1reaching peace, does practice continence& Whose pious life,s a proof he does belie$e, 2isterious truths, %hich no 2an can concei$e. )f upon Earth there d%ell such +od.li(e 2en, ),le here recant m" 1arado0 to them, Adore those 3hrines of >irtue, #omage pa", And %ith the Rabble World, their a%s obe". )f such there are, "et grant me this at least, 2an differs more from 2an, than 2an from 4east.

Signior *ildo
;ou ladies of merr" England Who ha$e been to (iss the Duchess,s hand, 1ra", did "ou not latel" obser$e in the sho% A noble )talian called 3ignior Dildo< This signior %as one of the Duchess,s train And helped to conduct her o$er the main& 4ut no% she cries out, ,To the Du(e ) %ill go, ) ha$e no more need for 3ignior Dildo., At the 3ign of the :ross in 3t James,s 3treet, When ne0t "ou go thither to ma(e "oursel$es s%eet 4" bu"ing of po%der, glo$es, essence, or so, ;ou ma" chance to get a sight of 3ignior Dildo. ;ou %ould ta(e him at first for no person of note, 4ecause he appears in a plain leather coat, 4ut %hen "ou his $irtuous abilities (no%, ;ou,ll fall do%n and %orship 3ignior Dildo.

2" ad" 3outhes(, hea$en prosper her for,t, *irst clothed him in satin, then brought him to court& 4ut his head in the circle he scarcel" durst sho%, 3o modest a "outh %as 3ignior Dildo. The good ad" 3uffol(, thin(ing no harm, #ad got this poor stranger hid under her arm. ad" 4ett" b" chance came the secret to (no% And from her o%n mother stole 3ignior Dildo. The :ountess of *almouth, of %hom people tell #er footmen %ear shirts of a guinea an ell, 2ight sa$e that e0pense, if she did but (no% #o% lust" a s%inger is 3ignior Dildo. 4" the help of this gallant the :ountess of Rafe Against the fierce #arris preser$ed herself safe& 3he stifled him almost beneath her pillo%, 3o closel" she embraced 3ignior Dildo. The pattern of $irtue, #er +race of :le$eland, #as s%allo%ed more pric(s than the ocean has sand& 4ut b" rubbing and scrubbing so %ide does it gro%, )t is fit for -ust nothing but 3ignior Dildo. /ur daint" fine duchesses ha$e got a tric( To dote on a fool for the sa(e of his pric(, The fops %ere undone did their graces but (no% The discretion and $igour of 3ignior Dildo. The Duchess of 2odena, though she loo(s so high, With such a gallant is content to lie, And for fear that the English her secrets should (no%, *or her gentleman usher too( 3ignior Dildo. The :ountess o,th,:oc(pit (%ho (no%s not her name< 3he,s famous in stor" for a (illing dame), When all her old lo$ers forsa(e her, ) tro%, 3he,ll then be contented %ith 3ignior Dildo. Red #o%ard, red 3heldon, and Temple so tall :omplain of his absence so long from Whitehall. 3ignior 4arnard has promised a -ourne" to go And bring bac( his countr"man, 3ignior Dildo.

Doll #o%ard no longer %ith #is #ighness must range, And therefore is proferred this ci$il e0change5 #er teeth being rotten, she smells best belo%, And needs must be fitted for 3ignior Dildo. 3t Albans %ith %rin(les and smiles in his face, Whose (indness to strangers becomes his high place, )n his coach and si0 horses is gone to 4ergo To ta(e the fresh air %ith 3ignior Dildo. Were this signior but (no%n to the citi!en fops, #e,d (eep their fine %i$es from the foremen o,their shops& 4ut the rascals deser$e their horns should still gro% *or burning the 1ope and his nephe%, Dildo. Tom =illigre%,s %ife, that #olland fine flo%er, At the sight of this signior did fart and belch sour, And her Dutch breeding the further to sho%, 3a"s, ,Welcome to England, 2"nheer >an Dildo., #e ci$ill" came to the :oc(pit one night, And proferred his ser$ice to fair 2adam =night. ?uoth she, ,) intrigue %ith :aptain :a!!o& ;our nose in mine arse, good 3ignior Dildo., This signior is sound, safe, read", and dumb As e$er %as candle, carrot, or thumb& Then a%a" %ith these nast" de$ices, and sho% #o% "ou rate the -ust merit of 3ignior Dildo. :ount :a!!o, %ho carries his nose $er" high, )n passion he s%ore his ri$al should die& Then shut himself up to let the %orld (no% *lesh and blood could not bear it from 3ignior Dildo. A rabble of pric(s %ho %ere %elcome before, 'o% finding the porter denied them the door, 2aliciousl" %aited his coming belo% And inhumanl" fell on 3ignior Dildo. 'igh %earied out, the poor stranger did fl", And along the 1all 2all the" follo%ed full cr"& The %omen concerned from e$er" %indo%

:ried, ,*or hea$en,s sa(e, sa$e 3ignior Dildo., The good ad" 3and"s burst into a laughter To see ho% the balloc(s came %obbling after, And had not their %eight retarded the foe, )ndeed,t had gone hard %ith 3ignior Dildo.

The *isabled *ebauchee

As some bra$e admiral, in former %ar, Depri$ed of force, but pressed %ith courage still, T%o ri$al fleets appearing from afar, :ra%ls to the top of an ad-acent hill& *rom %hence (%ith thoughts full of concern) he $ie%s The %ise and daring conduct of the fight, And each bold action to his mind rene%s #is present glor", and his past delight& *rom his fierce e"es, flashes of rage he thro%s, As from blac( clouds %hen lightning brea(s a%a", Transported, thin(s himself amidst his foes, And absent "et en-o"s the blood" da"& 3o %hen m" da"s of impotence approach, And ),m b" po0 and %ine,s unluc(" chance, Dri$en from the pleasing billo%s of debauch, /n the dull shore of la!" temperance, 2" pains at last some respite shall afford, Whilst ) behold the battles "ou maintain, When fleets of glasses sail about the board, *rom %hose broadsides $olle"s of %it shall rain. 'or shall the sight of honourable scars, Which m" too.for%ard $alour did procure, *righten ne%.listed soldiers from the %ars. 1ast -o"s ha$e more than paid %hat ) endure. 3hould hopeful "ouths (%orth being drun() pro$e nice, And from their fair in$iters meanl" shrin(, ,T%ould please the ghost of m" departed $ice, )f at m" counsel the" repent and drin(. /r should some cold.comple0ioned set forbid,

With his dull morals, our night,s bris( alarms, ),ll fire his blood b" telling %hat ) did, When ) %as strong and able to bear arms. ),ll tell of %hores attac(ed, their lords at home, 4a%ds, 9uarters beaten up, and fortress %on, Windo%s demolished, %atches o$ercome, And handsome ills b" m" contri$ance done. 'or shall our lo$e.fits, :loris, be forgot, When each the %ell.loo(ed lin(.bo" stro$e t,en-o", And the best (iss %as the deciding lot5 Whether the bo" fuc(ed "ou, or ) the bo". With tales li(e these ) %ill such heat inspire, As to important mischief shall incline. ),ll ma(e them long some ancient church to fire, And fear no le%dness the",re called to b" %ine. Thus statesman.li(e, ),ll saucil" impose, And safe from danger $aliantl" ad$ise, 3heltered in impotence, urge "ou to blo%s, And being good for nothing else, be %ise.

The Mistress
An age in her embraces passed Would seem a %inter,s da"& When life and light, %ith en$ious haste, Are torn and snatched a%a". 4ut, oh8 ho% slo%l" minutes roll. When absent from her e"es That feed m" lo$e, %hich is m" soul, )t languishes and dies. *or then no more a soul but shade )t mournfull" does mo$e And haunts m" breast, b" absence made The li$ing tomb of lo$e. ;ou %iser men despise me not, Whose lo$e.sic( fanc" ra$es /n shades of souls and #ea$en (no%s %hat& 3hort ages li$e in gra$es.

Whene,er those %oundng e"es, so full /f s%eetness, "ou did see, #ad "ou not been profoundl" dull, ;ou had gone mad li(e me. 'or censure us, "ou %ho percei$e 2" best belo$ed and me 3ign and lament, complain and grie$e& ;ou thin( %e disagree. Alas, ,tis sacred -ealous", o$e raised to an e0treme& The onl" proof ,t%i0t her and me, We lo$e, and do not dream. *antastic fancies fondl" mo$e And in frail -o"s belie$e, Ta(ing false pleasure for true lo$e& 4ut pain can ne,er decei$e. =ind -ealous doubts, tormenting fears, And an0ious cares %hen past, 1ro$e our heart,s treasure fi0ed and dear, And ma(e us blessed at last.

The !latonic Lady

) could lo$e thee till ) die, Would,st thou lo$e me modestl", And ne,er press, %hilst ) li$e, *or more than %illingl" ) %ould gi$e5 Which should sufficient be to pro$e ),d understand the art of lo$e. ) hate the thing is called en-o"ment5 4esides it is a dull emplo"ment, )t cuts off all that,s life and fire *rom that %hich ma" be termed desire& Just li(e the bee %hose sting is gone :on$erts the o%ner to a drone. ) lo$e a "outh %ill gi$e me lea$e #is bod" in m" arms to %reathe& To press him gentl", and to (iss&

To sigh, and loo( %ith e"es that %ish *or %hat, if ) could once obtain, ) %ould neglect %ith flat disdain. ),d gi$e him libert" to to" And pla" %ith me, and count it -o". /ur freedom should be full complete, And nothing %anting but the feat. et,s practice, then, and %e shall pro$e These are the onl" s%eets of lo$e.

To His Mistress
Wh" dost thou shade th" lo$el" face< / %h" Does that eclipsing hand of thine den" The sunshine of the 3un,s enli$ening e"e< Without th" light %hat light remains in me< Thou art m" life& m" %a", m" light,s in thee& ) li$e, ) mo$e, and b" th" beams ) see. Thou art m" life.if thou but turn a%a" 2" life,s a thousand deaths. Thou art m" %a". Without.thee, o$e, ) tra$el not but stra". 2" light thou art.%ithout th" glorious sight 2" e"es are dar(en,d %ith eternal night. 2" o$e, thou art m" %a", m" life, m" light. Thou art m" %a"& ) %ander if thou fl". Thou art m" light& if hid, ho% blind am )8 Thou art m" life& if thou %ithdra%,st, ) die. 2" e"es are dar( and blind, ) cannot see5 To %hom or %hither should m" dar(ness flee, 4ut to that light<.and %ho,s that light but thee< )f ) ha$e lost m" path, dear lo$er, sa", 3hall ) still %ander in a doubtful %a"< o$e, shall a lamb of )srael,s sheepfold stra"< 2" path is lost, m" %andering steps do stra"& ) cannot go, nor can ) safel" sta"& Whom should ) see( but thee, m" path, m" %a"<

And "et thou turn,st th" face a%a" and fl",st me8 And "et ) sue for grace and thou den",st me8 3pea(, art thou angr", o$e, or onl" tr",st me< Thou art the pilgrim,s path, the blind man,s e"e, The dead man,s life. /n thee m" hopes rel"5 )f ) but them remo$e, ) surel" die. Dissol$e th" sunbeams, close th" %ings and sta"8 3ee, see ho% ) am blind, and dead, and stra"8 ./ thou art m" life, m" light, m" %a"8 Then %or( th" %ill8 )f passion bid me flee, 2" reason shall obe", m" %ings shall be 3tretch,d out no farther than from me to thee8

To This Moment a 'ebel

To this moment a rebel ) thro% do%n m" arms, +reat o$e, at first sight of /linda,s bright charms. 2a(e proud and secure b" such forces as these, ;ou ma" no% pla" the t"rant as soon as "ou please. When )nnocence, 4eaut", and Wit do conspire To betra", and engage, and inflame m" Desire, Wh" should ) decline %hat ) cannot a$oid< And let pleasing #ope b" base *ear be destro"ed< #er innocence cannot contri$e to undo me, #er beaut",s inclined, or %h" should it pursue me< And Wit has to 1leasure been e$er a friend, Then %hat room for Despair, since Delight is o$e,s end< There can be no danger in s%eetness and "outh, Where o$e is secured b" good nature and truth& /n her beaut" ),ll ga!e and of pleasure complain While e$er" (ind loo( adds a lin( to m" chain. ,Tis more to maintain than it %as to surprise, 4ut her Wit leads in triumpth the sla$e of her e"es& ) beheld, %ith the loss of m" freedom before, 4ut hearing, fore$er must ser$e and adore. Too bright is m" +oddess, her temple too %ea(5 Retire, di$ine image8 ) feel m" heart brea(.

#elp, o$e8 ) dissol$e in a rapture of charms At the thought of those -o"s ) should meet in her arms.

Tunbridge Wells
At fi$e this morn, %hen 1hoebus raised his head *rom Thetis, lap, ) raised m"self from bed, And mounting steed, ) trotted to the %aters The rendes$ous of fools, buffoons, and praters, :uc(olds, %hores, citi!ens, their %i$es and daughters. 2" s9ueamish stomach ) %ith %ine had bribed To underta(e the dose that %as prescribed& 4ut turning head, a sudden cursd $ie% That innocent pro$ision o$erthre%, And %ithout drin(ing, made me purge and spe%. *rom coach and si0 a thing un%eild" rolled, Whose lumber, card more decentl" %ould hold. As %ise as calf it loo(ed, as big as bull", 4ut handled, pro$es a mere 3ir 'icholas :ull"& A ba%ling fop, a natural 'o(es, and "et #e dares to censure as if he had %it. To ma(e him more ridiculous, in spite 'ature contri$ed the fool should be a (night. Though he alone %ere dismal signt enough, #is train contributed to set him off, All of his shape, all of the selfsame stuff. 'o spleen or malice need on them be thro%n5 'ature has done the business of lampoon, And in their loo(s their characters has sho%n. Endea$oring this ir(some sight to bal(, And a more ir(some noise, their sill" tal(, ) silentl" slun( do%n t, th, o%er Wal(, 4ut often %hen one %ould :haribdis shun, Do%n upon 3cilla ,tis one,s fate to run, *or here it %as m" cursd luc( to find As great a fop, though of another (ind, A tall stiff fool that %al(ed in 3panish guise5 The buc(ram puppet ne$er stirred its e"es, 4ut gra$e as o%l it loo(ed, as %oodcoc( %ise. #e scorns the empt" tal(ing of this mad age, And spea(s all pro$erbs, sentences, and adage& :an %ith as much solemnit" bu" eggs As a cabal can tal( of their intrigues&

2aster o, th, :eremonies, "et can dispense With the formalit" of tal(ing sense. *rom hence unto the upper %al( ) ran, Where a ne% scene of fopper" began. A tribe of curates, priests, canonical el$es, *it compan" for none besides themsel$es, Were got together. Each his distemper told, 3cur$", stone, strangur"& some %ere so bold To charge the spleen to be their miser", And on that %ise disease brought infam". 4ut none had modest" enough t, complain Their %ant of learning, honest", and brain, The general diseases of that train. These call themsel$es ambassadors of hea$en, And saucil" pretend commissions gi$en& 4ut should an )ndian (ing, %hose small command 3eldom e0tends be"ond ten miles of land, 3end forth such %retched tools in an ambassage, #e,d find but small effects of such a message. istening, ) found the cob of all this rabble 1ert 4a"s, %ith his importance comfortable. #e, being raised to an archdeaconr" 4" trampling on religion, libert", Was gro%n to great, and loo(ed too fat and -oll", To be disturbed %ith care and melanchol", Though 2ar$ell has enough e0posed his foll". #e dran( to carr" off some old remains #is la!" dull distemper left in ,s $eins. et him drin( on, but ,tis not a %hole flood :an gi$e sufficient s%eetness to his blood To ma(e his nature of his manners good. 'e0t after these, a fulsome )rish cre% /f sill" 2acs %ere offered to m" $ie%. The things did tal(, but th, hearing %hat the" said ) did m"self the (indness to e$ade. 'ature has placed these %retches beneath scorn5 The" can,t be called so $ile as the" are born. br(Amidst the cro%d ne0t ) m"self con$e"ed, *or no% %ere come, %hite%ash and paint being laid, 2other and daughter, mistress and the maid, And s9uire %ith %ig and pantaloon displa"ed. 4ut ne,er could con$enticle, pla", or fair

*or a true medle", %ith this herd compare. #ere lords, (nights, s9uires, ladies and countesses, :handlers, mum.bacon %omen, sempstresses Were mi0ed together, nor did the" agree 2ore in their humors than their 9ualit". #ere %aiting for gallant, "oung damsel stood, eaning on cane, and muffled up in hood. The %ould.be %it, %hose business %as to %oo, With hat remo$ed and solmn scrape of shoe Ad$anceth bo%ing, then genteell" shrugs, And ruffled foretop into order tugs, And thus accosts her5 62adam, methin(s the %eather )s gro%n much more serene since "ou came hither. ;ou influence the hea$ens& but should the sun Withdra% himself to see his ra"s outdone 4" "our bright e"es, the" %ould suppl" the morn, And ma(e a da" before the da" be born.6 With mouth scre%ed up, conceited %in(ing e"es, And breasts thrust for%ard, 6 ord, sir86 she replies. 6)t is "our goodness, and not m" deserts, Which ma(es "ou sho% this learning, %it, and parts.6 #e, pu!!led, butes his nail, both to displa" The spar(ling ring, and thin( %hat ne0t to sa", And thus brea(s forth afresh5 62adam, egad8 ;our luc( at cards last night %as $er" bad5 At cribbage fift".nine, and the ne0t sho% To ma(e the game, and "et to %ant those t%o. +od damn me, madam, ),m the son of a %hore )f in m" life ) sa% the li(e before86 To peddler,s stall he drags her, and her breast With hearts and such.li(e foolish to"s he dressed& And then, more smartl" to e0pound the riddle /f all his prattle, gi$es her a 3cotch fiddle. Tired %ith this dismal stuff, a%a" ) ran Where %ere t%o %i$es, %ith girl -ust fit for man . 3hort.breathed, %ith pallid lips and $isage %an. 3ome curtsies past, and the old compliment /f being glad to see each other, spent, With hand in hand the" lo$ingl" did %al(, And one began thus to rene% the tal(5 6) pra", good madam, if it ma" be thought 'o rudeness, %hat cause %as it hither brought

;our lad"ship<6 3he soon repl"ing, smiled, 6We ha$e a good estate, but ha$e no child, And ),m informed these %ells %ill ma(e a barren Woman as fruitful as a con" %arren.6 The first returned, 6*or this cause ) am come, *or ) can ha$e no 9uietness at home. 2" husband grumbles though %e ha$e got one, This poor "oung girl, and mutters for a son. And this is grie$ed %ith headach, pangs, and throes& )s full si0teen, and ne$er "et had those.6 3he soon replied, 6+et her a husband, madam5 ) married at that age, and ne,er had ,em& Was -ust li(e her. 3teel %aters let alone5 A bac( of steel %ill bring ,em better do%n.6 And ten to one but the" themsel$es %ill tr" The same means to increase their famil". 1oor foolish fribble, %ho b" subtlet" /f mid%ife, truest friend to lecher", 1ersuaded art to be at pains and charge To gi$e th" %ife occaision to enlarge Th" sill" head8 *or here %al( :uff and =ic(, With bra%n" bac( and legs and potent pric(, Who more substantiall" %ill cure th" %ife, And on her half.dead %omb besto% ne% life. *rom these the %aters got the reputation /f good assistants unto generation. 3ome %arli(e men %ere no% got into th, throng, With hair tied bac(, singing a ba%d" song. 'ot much afraid, ) got a nearer $ie%, And ,t%as m" chance to (no% the dreadful cre%. The" %ere cadets, that seldom can appear5 Damned to the stint of thirt" pounds a "ear. With ha%( on fist, or gre"hound led in hand, The dogs and footbo"s sometimes the" command. 4ut no%, ha$ing trimmed a cast.off spa$ined horse, With three hard.pinched.for guineas in their purse, T%o rust" pistols, scarf about the arse, :oat lined %ith red, the" here presume to s%ell5 This goes for captain, that for colonel. 3o the 4ear +arden ape, on his steed mounted, 'o longer is a -ac(anapes accounted, 4ut is, b" $irtue of his trumper", then :alled b" the name of 6the "oung gentleman.6

4less me8 thought ), %hat thing is man, that thus )n all his shapes, he is ridiculous< /ursel$es %ith noise of reason %e do please )n $ain5 humanit",s our %orst disease. Thrice happ" beasts are, %ho, because the" be /f reason $oid, and so of fopper". *aith, ) %as so ashamed that %ith remorse ) used the insolence to mount m" horse& *or he, doing onl" things fit for his nature, Did seem to me b" much the %iser creature.

+%on ,othing
'othing, thou elder brother e$en to shade, That hadst a being ere the %orld %as made, And (%ell fi0ed) art alone of ending not afraid. Ere time and place %ere, time and place %ere not, When primiti$e 'othing 3omething straight begot, Then all proceeded from the great united..What< 3omething, the general attribute of all, 3e$ered from thee, its sole original, )nto th" boundless self must undistinguished fall. ;et 3omething did th" might" po%er command, And from th" fruitful emptiness,s hand, 3natched men, beasts, birds, fire, air, and land. 2atter, the %ic(edest offspring of th" race, 4" *orm assisted, fle% from th" embrace, And rebel ight obscured th" re$erend dus(" face. With *orm and 2atter, Time and 1lace did -oin, 4od", th" foe, %ith these did leagues combine To spoil th" peaceful realm, and ruin all th" line. 4ut turncoat Time assists the foe in $ain, And, bribed b" thee, assists th" short.li$ed reign, And to th" hungr" %omb dri$es bac( th" sla$es again. Though m"steries are barred from laic e"es, And the Di$ine alone %ith %arrant pries )nto th" bosom, %here th" truth in pri$ate lies, ;et this of thee the %ise ma" freel" sa", Thou from the $irtuous nothing ta(est a%a", And to be part of thee the %ic(ed %isel" pra". +reat 'egati$e, ho% $ainl" %ould the %ise )n9uire, define, distinguish, teach, de$ise< Didst thou not stand to point their dull philosophies. )s, or is not, the t%o great ends of *ate,

And true or false, the sub-ect of debate, That perfects, or destro"s, the $ast designs of *ate, When the" ha$e rac(ed the politician,s breast, Within th" bosom most securel" rest, And, %hen reduced to thee, are least unsafe and best. 4ut 'othing, %h" does 3omething still permit That sacred monarchs should at council sit With persons highl" thought at best for nothing fit< Whist %eight" 3omething modestl" abstains *rom princes, coffers, and from statesmen,s brains, And 'othing there li(e statel" 'othing reigns, 'othing, %ho d%ellest %ith fools in gra$e disguise, *or %hom the" re$erend shapes and forms de$ise, a%n slee$es, and furs, and go%ns, %hen the" li(e thee loo( %ise. *rench truth, Dutch pro%ess, 4ritish polic", #ibernian learning, 3cotch ci$ilit", 3paniard,s dispatch, Dane,s %it are mainl" seen in thee. The great man,s gratitude to his best friend, =ing,s promises, %hore,s $o%s, to%ards thee the" bend, *lo% s%iftl" to thee, and in thee ne$er end.