'Tis harder far to please than give offence;

The least misconduct damns the brightest sense;

Each shallow pate, that cannot read your name,

Can read your life, and will be proud to blame.

Flagitious manners make impressions deep

On those, that o'er a page of Milton sleep:

Nor in their dulness think to save your shame,

True, these are fools; but wise men say the same.

Wits are a despicable race of men,

If they confine their talents to the pen;