John Dryden

Above any Greek or Roman name.

Above any Greek or Roman name.

But wild Ambition loves to slide, not stand,
And Fortune's ice prefers to Virtue's land.

But wild Ambition loves to slide, not stand,
And Fortune's ice prefers to Virtue's land.

Stiff in opinion, always in the wrong.

Stiff in opinion, always in the wrong.

The fool of nature stood with stupid eyes
And gaping mouth, that testified surprise.

The fool of nature stood with stupid eyes
And gaping mouth, that testified surprise.

The proud he tam'd, the penitent he cheer'd:
Nor to rebuke the rich offender fear'd.
His preaching read more

The proud he tam'd, the penitent he cheer'd:
Nor to rebuke the rich offender fear'd.
His preaching much, but more his practice wrought;
(A living sermon of the truths he taught:)
For this by rules severe his life he squar'd:
That all might see the doctrines which they heard.