Alexander Pope

I am his Highness' dog at Kew;
Pray tell me, sir, whose dog are you?

I am his Highness' dog at Kew;
Pray tell me, sir, whose dog are you?

But honest instinct comes a volunteer; Sure never to o'er-shoot, but just to hit, While still too wide or short read more

But honest instinct comes a volunteer; Sure never to o'er-shoot, but just to hit, While still too wide or short in human wit.

Damn with faint praise, assent with civil leer,
And without sneering teach the rest to sneer;
Willing read more

Damn with faint praise, assent with civil leer,
And without sneering teach the rest to sneer;
Willing to wound, and yet afraid to strike,
Just hint a fault, and hesitate dislike;
Alike reserv'd to blame, or to commend,
A tim'rous foe, and a suspicious friend.

Who pants for glory, finds but short repose;
A breath revives him, or a breath o'erthrows.

Who pants for glory, finds but short repose;
A breath revives him, or a breath o'erthrows.

From vulgar bounds with brave disorder part,
And snatch a grace beyond the reach of art.

From vulgar bounds with brave disorder part,
And snatch a grace beyond the reach of art.