Railing and praising were his usual themes; and both showed his judgment in extremes. Either over violent or over civil, so everyone to him was either god or devil.

For age but tastes of pleasures youth devours.

Fame then was cheap, and the first comer sped; And they have kept it since by being dead.

If by the people you understand the multitude, the hoi polloi, 'tis no matter what they think; they are sometimes in the right, sometimes in the wrong; their judgment is a mere lottery.

Or hast thou known the world so long in vain?

Forgiveness to the injured does belong; but they ne'er pardon who have done wrong.

Truth is the foundation of all knowledge and the cement of all societies.