[FROM AN EPISTLE TO MIRA.]

[April, 1780.]

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Of substance I've thought, and the varied disputes

On the nature of man and the notions of brutes;

Of systems confuted, and systems explain'd;

Of science disputed, and tenets maintain'd.

These, and such speculations on these kind of things,

Have robb'd my poor Muse of her plume and her wings;

Consumed the phlogiston you used to admire,

The spirit extracted, extinguish'd the fire;

Let out all the ether, so pure and refined,

And left but a mere caput mortuum behind.

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