What Nothing Earthly Gives, Or Can Destroy,

Truths Would You Teach, Or Save A Sinking Land? All Fear, None Aid You, And Few Understand.

But See How Oft Ambition's Aims Are Cross'd, And Chiefs Contend 'til All The Prize Is Lost!

Ah! What Avails It Me The Flocks To Keep, Who Lost My Heart While I Preserv'd My Sheep.

Two Purposes In Human Nature Rule. Self- Love To Urge, And Reason To Restrain.

Whether The Darken'd Room To Muse Invite, Or Whiten'd Wall Provoke The Skew'r To Write; In Durance, Exile, Bedlam, Or The Mint, Like Lee Or Budgel I Will Rhyme And Print.