And every art, long used, but used in vain,
To hide thy progress, Nature, and thy pain.
Too eager caution shows some danger’s near,
The bully’s bluster proves the coward’s fear;
His sober step the drunkard vainly tries,
And nymphs expose the failings they disguise.
First, whispering gossips were in parties seen,
Then louder Scandal walk’d the village - green;
Next babbling Folly told the growing ill,
And busy Malice dropp’d it at the mill.