I have written, as other some of old, in quaint and meaning phrase, Of many things for either world, a crowd of facts and fancies: And will ye judge me, men of mind?--judge in kindly calmness; For bitter words of haste or hate have often been repented. Deep dreaming upon surface reading; imagery crowded over argument; Order less considered in the multitude of thoughts: this witnessing is just. Scripture gave the holier themes, the well-turned words and wisdom; While Fancy on her swallow's wing skimmed those deeper waters. And wilt thou say with shrewdness,--He hath burnished up old truths, But where he seemed to fashion new, the novelty was false? Alas, for us in these last days, our elders reaped the harvest: Alas, for all men in all times, who glean so many tares! That which is true, how should it be new? for time is old in years: That which is new, how should it be true? for I am young in wisdom: Nevertheless, I have spoken at my best, according to the mercies given me, Of high, and deep, and famous things, of Evil, or of Good. I have told of Errors near akin to Truth, and wholesomes linked with poison; Of subtle Uses in the humblest, and the deep laid plots of Pride: I have praised Wisdom, comforted thy Hope, and proved to thee the folly of Complainings; Hinted at the hazard of an Influence, and turned thee from the terrors of Ambition. I have shown thee thy captivity to Law: yet bade thee hide Humilities; I have lifted the curtains of Memory; and smoothed the soft pillow of Rest. Experience had his sober hour; and Character its keen appreciation; And holy Anger stood sublime, where Hatred fell condemned. Prayer spake the mind of God, even in His own good words: And Zeal, with kindness warmly mixt, allied him to Discretion. I taught thee that nothing is a Trifle, even to the laugh of Recreation; I led thee with the Train of Religion, to be dazzled at the name of the Triune. Thought confessed his unseen fears; and Speech declared his triumphs; I sang the blessedness of books; and commended the prudence of a letter: Riches found their room, either unto honour--or despising: Inventions took their lower place, for all things come of God. I scorned Ridicule; nor would humble me for Praise; for I had gained Self-knowledge; And pleaded fervently for Brutes, who suffer for man's sin. Then, I rose to Friendship; and bathed in all the tenderness of Love; Knew the purity of Marriage; and blest the face of Children. And whereas, by petulance or pride, I had haply said some evil, Mine after-thought was Tolerance, to bear the faults of all: Many faults, ill to bear, bred the theme of Sorrow; Many virtues, dear to see, induced the gush of Joy.