Go to the world, peruse the book of man, 85

And learn from thence thy own defects to scan;

Severely honest, break no plighted trust,

But coldly rest not here—be more than just;

Join to the rigours of the sires of Rome

The gentler manners of the private dome; 90

When Virtue weeps in agony of woe,

Teach from the heart the tender tear to flow;

If Pleasure’s soothing song thy soul entice,

Or all the gaudy pomp of splendid Vice,