John Dryden

To take up half on trust, and half to try,
Name it not faith but bungling bigotry.

To take up half on trust, and half to try,
Name it not faith but bungling bigotry.

But Shakespeare's magic could not copied be;
Within that circle none durst walk but he.

But Shakespeare's magic could not copied be;
Within that circle none durst walk but he.

When he spoke, what tender words he used! So softly, that like flakes of feathered snow, They melted as they read more

When he spoke, what tender words he used! So softly, that like flakes of feathered snow, They melted as they fell.

Treason is not own'd when 'tis descried;
Successful crimes alone are justified.

Treason is not own'd when 'tis descried;
Successful crimes alone are justified.

Skill'd in the globe and sphere, he gravely stands,
And, with his compass, measures seas and lands.

Skill'd in the globe and sphere, he gravely stands,
And, with his compass, measures seas and lands.