Praise from a friend, or censure from a foe, Are lost on hearers that our merits know.

If, presume not to God to scan; The proper study of Mankind is Man. Plac'd on this isthmus of a middle state, a being darkly wise, and rudely great.

Happy the man whose wish and care a few paternal acres bound, content to breathe his native air in his own ground.

Praise from a friend, or censure from a foe, Are lost on hearers that our merits know.

Chaste to her husband, frank to all beside, A teeming mistress, but a barren bride.

There are certain times when most people are in a disposition of being informed, and 'tis incredible what a vast good a little truth might do, spoken in such seasons.

Placed on this isthmus of a middle state.