The Rape of the Lock; an Essay on Man and Epistle to Dr Arbuthnot

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1901 edition. Excerpt: ...Reason itself but gives it edge and pow'r; As Heav'n's bless'd beam turns vinegar more sour. We, wretched subjects, though to lawful sway, (50 In this weak queen some fav'rite still obey; Ah! if she lend not arms as well as rules, What can she more than tell us we are fools? Teach us to mourn our nature, not to mend; A sharp accuser, but a helpless friend f i, w Or from a judge turn pleader, to persuade The choice we make, or justify it made; Proud of an easy conquest all along, She but removes weak passions for the strong. So, when small humors gather to a gout, lso The doctor fancies he has driv'n them out. Yes, Nature's road must ever be preferr'd; Reason is here no guide, but still a guard; 'T is hers to rectify, not overthrow, And treat this passion more as friend than foe: 165 A mightier Pow'r the strong direction sends, And sev'ral men impels to sev'ral ends: Like varying winds by other passions toss'd, This drives them constant to a certain coast. Let pow'r or knowledge, gold or glory, please, no Or (oft more strong than all) the love of ease; Through life 't is follow'd, even at life's expense g The merchant's toil, the sage's indolence, The monk's humility, the hero's pride, All, all alike find Reason on their side. ns The Eternal Art, educing good from ill, Grafts on this passion our best principle: 'T is thus the mercury of man is fix'd, Strong grows the virtue with his nature mix'd; The dross cements what else were too refin'd, Mo And in one int'rest body acts with mind. As fruits, ungrateful to the planter's care, On savage stocks inserted, learn to bear, The surest virtues thus from passions shoot, Wild Nature's vigor working at the root. we What crops of wit and honesty appear From spleen, from obstinacy, hate, or fear! See anger, .