George Crabbe

To show the world what long experience gains,
Requires not courage, though it calls for pains;
But read more

To show the world what long experience gains,
Requires not courage, though it calls for pains;
But at life's outset to inform mankind
Is a bold effort of a valiant mind.

Jane borrow'd maxims from a doubting school,
And took for truth the test of ridicule;
Lucy saw read more

Jane borrow'd maxims from a doubting school,
And took for truth the test of ridicule;
Lucy saw no such virtue in a jest,
Truth was with her of ridicule the test.

Oh! rather give me commentators plain,
Who with no deep researches vex the brain;
Who from the read more

Oh! rather give me commentators plain,
Who with no deep researches vex the brain;
Who from the dark and doubtful love to run,
And hold their glimmering tapers to the sun.

Temp'rate in every place--abroad, at home,
Thence will applause, and hence will profit come;
And health from read more

Temp'rate in every place--abroad, at home,
Thence will applause, and hence will profit come;
And health from either--he in time prepares
For sickness, age, and their attendant cares.

But 'twas a maxim he had often tried,
That right was right, and there he would abide.

But 'twas a maxim he had often tried,
That right was right, and there he would abide.