If not inspired, that pregnant page had stood,
Time’s treasure, and the wonder of the wise!
Thou think’st, perhaps, thy soul alone at stake;
Alas!—should men mistake thee for a fool;—
What man of taste for genius, wisdom, truth,
Though tender of thy fame, could interpose? 780
Believe me, sense here acts a double part,
And the true critic is a Christian too.
But these, thou think’st, are gloomy paths to joy.—
True joy in sunshine ne’er was found at first;