Be not the first by whom the new are tried, Nor yet the last to lay the old aside.
Who shall decide when doctors disagree, And soundest casuists doubt, like you and me?
Fondly we think we honor merit then, when we but praise ourselves in other men.
The ruling passion, be it what it will. The ruling passion conquers reason still.
On cold December fragrant chaplets blow, And heavy harvests nod beneath the snow.
Two purposes in human nature rule. Self- love to urge, and reason to restrain.