Pride, Malice, Folly, against Dryden rose, 460 Might he return, and bless once more our eyes, 465 Envy will merit, as its shade, pursue; But, like a fhadow, proves the fubstance true : For envy'd Wit, like Sol eclips'd, makes known When first that fun too powerful beams difplays, 470 Be thou the first true merit to befriend; His praise is loft, who stays till all commend. Short is the date, alas, of modern rhymes, 475. And 'tis but juft to let them live betimes. No longer now that golden age appears, When Patriarch-wits furviv'd a thousand years: VARIATION. Ver. 485. Ed. 1. Some fair idea, &c. 480 485 Where Where a new world leaps out at his command, Like fome fair flower the early fpring fupplies, 495 That gayly blooms, but ev'n in blooming dies. The most our trouble still when most admir'd, And still the more we give, the more requir'd; Whose fame with pains we guard, but lose with ease, Sure fome to vex, but never all to please ; VARIATIONS. 505 "Tis Ver. 490. Ed. 1. When mellowing time does, &c. Ver. 492. The treacherous colours in few years decay. Ver. 495. Repays not half that envy, &c. Ver. 498. Like fome fair flower that in the fpring does rise. Ver. 500. What is this wit that does our cares employ Ver. 5c2. The more his trouble as the more admir'd; Where wanted, fcorn'd; and envy'd where acquir'd; Maintain'd with pains, but forfeited with ease, &c. 'Tis what the vicious fear, the virtuous shun, But if in noble minds fome dregs remain Not yet purg'd off, of spleen and four difdain; Discharge that rage on more provoking crimes, Nor fear a dearth in these flagitious times. 510 515 520 VARIATIONS. Ver. 508. Ed. 1. Too much does Wit, &c. Ver. 519. And each, &c. Ver. 521. Are mortals urg'd by facred, &c. No No pardon vile obfcenity should find, Though wit and art confpire to move your mind; But dulness with obscenity must prove, As shameful fure as impotence in love. In the fat age of pleasure, wealth, and ease, 530 Sprang the rank weed, and thriv'd with large increase: When love was all an easy Monarch's care; Seldom at council, never in a war: Jilts rul'd the state, and statesmen farces writ; 540 And not a mask went unimprov'd away : And Virgins finil'd at what they blush'd before. Did all the dregs of bold Socinus drain ; 545 Then unbelieving Priests reform'd the nation, And taught more pleasant methods of falvation; 550 Where Heaven's free fubjects might their rights difpute, VARIATION. Thefe Ver. 547. The Author has here omitted the two following lines; as containing a National Reflection, which in his ftricter judgment he could not but difapprove on any People whatever : Then firft the Belgians' morals were extoll'd; Thefe Monsters, Critics! with your darts engage, Here point your thunder, and exhauft your rage! 555 Will needs mistake an author into vice; As all looks yellow to the jaundic❜d eye. 565 LEARN then what MORALS Critics ought to show; For 'tis but half a judge's task, to know. "Tis not enough, tafte, judgment, learning, join; In all you speak, let truth and candour shine : That not alone what to your fenfe is due All may allow; but seek your friendship too. Be filent always, when you And fpeak, though fure, with feeming diffidence: Some pofitive, perfifting fops we know, Who, if once wrong, will needs be always fo; But you, with pleasure, own your errors past, And make each day a critique on the last. doubt your fense; "Tis not enough your counfel ftill be true; VARIATIONS. 570 575 Be Ver. 562. Tis not enough, wit, art, and learning join. Ver. 564. That not alone what to your judgment's due. Ver. 569. That if once wrong, &c. Ver. 575. And things ne'er known, &c. Ver. 576. Without good-breeding truth is not approv'd. |