It is pleasanter to see a laughing cheek than a serious forehead,
And there liveth not one among a thousand whose idol is not pleasure.
Ridicule is a weak weapon, when levelled at a strong mind:
But common men are cowards, and dread an empty laugh.
Fear a nettle, and touch it tenderly, its poison shall burn thee to the shoulder;
But grasp it with a bold hand,—is it not a bundle of myrrh?
Betray mean terror of ridicule, thou shalt find fools enough to mock thee;
But answer thou their laughter with contempt, and the scoffers will lick thy feet.