Resigning to thought his chimerical brain,
Once formed the contrivance we now shall explain;
But whether by magic’s or alchemy’s powers
We know not; indeed, ’tis no business of ours.
Perhaps it was only by patience and care,
At last, that he brought his invention to bear.
In youth ’twas projected, but years stole away,
And ere ’twas complete he was wrinkled and gray;
But success is secure, unless energy fails,
And at length he produced The Philosopher’s Scales.