Alexander Pope

Our proper bliss depends on what we blame.

Our proper bliss depends on what we blame.

Fear not the anger of the wise to raise;
Those best can fear reproof who merit praise.

Fear not the anger of the wise to raise;
Those best can fear reproof who merit praise.

When at the close of each sad, sorrowing day,
Fancy restores what vengeance snatch'd away.

When at the close of each sad, sorrowing day,
Fancy restores what vengeance snatch'd away.

Search then the ruling passion; there alone,
The wild are constant, and the cunning known;
The fool read more

Search then the ruling passion; there alone,
The wild are constant, and the cunning known;
The fool consistent, and the false sincere;
Priests, princes, women, no dissemblers here.

In various talk th' instructive hours they past,
Who gave the ball, or paid the visit last;
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In various talk th' instructive hours they past,
Who gave the ball, or paid the visit last;
One speaks the glory of the British queen,
And one describes a charming Indian screen;
A third interprets motions, looks, and eyes;
At every word a reputation dies.