Vice is a monster of so frightful mien As to be hated needs but to be seen; Yet seen too oft, familiar with her face, We first endure, then pity, then embrace.

Presumptuous Man! the reason wouldst thou find,Why form'd so weak, so little, and so blind?First, if thou canst, the harder reason guess,Why form'd no weaker, blinder, and no less!Ask of thy mother earth, why oaks are madeTaller or stronger than the weeds they shade?Or ask of yonder argent fields above,Why Jove's Satellites are less than Jove?

How shall I lose the sin, yet keep the sense, and love the offender, yet detest the offence?

Whether the charmer sinner it, or saint it, If folly grow romantic, I must paint it.

Know then thyself, presume not God to scan; The proper study of mankind is man.

Genius creates, and taste preserves. Taste is the good sense of genius; without taste, genius is only sublime folly.

Light quirks of music, broken and uneven,Make the soul dance upon a jig to Heav'n.