He had been [climbing] all his life, and now Stopt to behold what Life would still allow; But all he then could from his Height explore Prov’d to his Heart he should have stopt before. Long at his College he was much approv’d; The more admir’d were not so well belov’d: Theirs deeper learning—his the mild address; 250 Theirs loftier Honour—and his sure success. While yet a Fellow, for an office high Two, far superior, were resolv’d to try; And the kind Vincent wish’d with all his heart He could the office to them both impart. Not so [his] Brethren: they had all the Zeal That rival voters for their favourites feel. For Dr A. his Friends in varying Style Were pleas’d by turns to flatter and revile: Famous for all that Newton’s self had known, 260 All that by Signs and Symbols can be shewn; A man whose fame to distant times would live, And tenfold pay the little boon they give— And what his Rival? stealing all his days Poor Scraps of Learning from dull Grecian Plays; Restoring Meanings where, when all is done, One is not found or a contested one; From elder Critics pilfering half they write, } Who from reflectors steal reflected Light } An helper’s help, Assistant’s Satellite. 270} The friends of Dr B., with Wrath inflam’d, Aloud the Learning of their Friend proclaim’d; Nor in their rage retorting Scorn forbore: That Dr A. had but a useless Store; ’Twas false that he could dare with Newton’s vie; Let him not dare, ’twas foolishness to try; And, if he reach’d not what was done before, What was the profit? he should try no more. Such was their war, each Combination room Lost its old peace and its harmonious Gloom. 280 Whist was no more, or, if again they play’d Their want of Skill th’ingrossing thoughts betray’d. While this was passing, a Report was spread— But those who rais’d were secret as the dead— That, as the contest caus’d such dire Debate, To no small scandall of the learned State, Unlike to end; for losers by their heat Would keep Resentment to console Defeat— Then was it best to set them both aside And choose a friend to either part allied. 290 Then who but Vincent had a chance remote, For all to him would give a second Vote; Then for their Peace they would their first resign, And give the Station to the good Divine. From Ear to Ear it went, from Tongue to Tongue, These Sons of Science and of Peace among; Both rivals cry’d aloud, they’d rather see Such Man elected than that A. or B. None ask’d who first the peaceful thought began But made it theirs and chose the modest Man. 300 Thrice in his Life, by Merit and by ways That please the powers who merit love to raise, Rose the mild Doctor, and was now a Dean, With grateful Spirit and a Conscience clean. Some who behold him in his Weakness now, By Pain and Time despoil’d of smile and bow,