When any great design thou dost intend, Think on the means, the manner, and the end.
Nor ought a genius less than his that writ attempt translation.
Who fears not to do ill fears the name, And free from conscience, is a slave to fame.
You prove but too clearly that seeking to know Is too frequently learning to doubt.
Youth, what man's age is like to be, doth show; We may our ends by our beginnings know.
Tis the most certain sign, the world's accurst That the best things corrupted, are the worst; 'Twas the corrupted Light of knowledge, hurl'd Sin, Death, and Ignorance o'er all the world; That Sun like this (from which our sight we have) Gaz'd on too long, resumes the light he gave.