Alexander Pope ( 10 of 261 )
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.
Thus let me live, unseen, unknown,
Thus unlamented let me die;
Steal from the world, and not read more
Thus let me live, unseen, unknown,
Thus unlamented let me die;
Steal from the world, and not a stone
Tell where I lie.
Who builds a church to God, and not to Fame,
Will never mark the marble with his Name.
Who builds a church to God, and not to Fame,
Will never mark the marble with his Name.
What can ennoble sots, or slaves, or cowards?
Alas! not all the blood, of all the Howards.
What can ennoble sots, or slaves, or cowards?
Alas! not all the blood, of all the Howards.
Get place and wealth, if possible, with grace;
If not, by any means get wealth and place.
Get place and wealth, if possible, with grace;
If not, by any means get wealth and place.
Fine by defect, and delicately weak.
Fine by defect, and delicately weak.
There are, to whom my satire seems too bold;
Scarce to wise Peter complaisant enough,
And something read more
There are, to whom my satire seems too bold;
Scarce to wise Peter complaisant enough,
And something said of Chartres much too rough.
Accept a miracle; instead of wit,--
See two dull lines by Stanhope's pencil writ.
Accept a miracle; instead of wit,--
See two dull lines by Stanhope's pencil writ.
Satire or sense, alas! Can Sporus feel?
Who breaks a butterfly upon a wheel?
Satire or sense, alas! Can Sporus feel?
Who breaks a butterfly upon a wheel?
Constant at Church and 'Change; his gains were sure;
His givings rare, save farthings to the poor.
Constant at Church and 'Change; his gains were sure;
His givings rare, save farthings to the poor.
