’Tis not for mortals always to be blest. 260 But him the least the dull or painful hours Of life oppress, whom sober Sense conducts And Virtue, thro’ this labyrinth we tread. Virtue and Sense I mean not to disjoin; Virtue and Sense are one; and, trust me, he 265 Who has not virtue is not truly wise. Virtue (for meer good-nature is a fool) Is sense and spirit, with humanity: ’Tis sometimes angry, and its frown confounds; ’Tis even vindictive, but in vengeance just. 270 Knaves fain would laugh at it; some great ones dare; But at his heart the most undaunted son Of fortune dreads its name and awful charms. To noblest uses this determines wealth; This is the solid pomp of prosperous days; 275 The peace and shelter of adversity. And if you pant for glory, build your fame On this foundation, which the secret shock Defies of Envy and all-sapping Time. The gawdy gloss of Fortune only strikes 280 The vulgar eye: The suffrage of the wise, The praise that’s worth ambition, is attain’d By Sense alone, and dignity of mind. Virtue, the strength and beauty of the soul, Is the best gift of heaven: a happiness 285 That even above the smiles and frowns of fate Exalts great Nature’s favourites: a wealth That ne’er encumbers, nor to baser hands Can be transfer’d: it is the only good Man justly boasts of, or can call his own. 290 Riches are oft by guilt and baseness earn’d; Or dealt by chance, to shield a lucky knave, Or throw a cruel sun-shine on a fool. But for one end, one much-neglected use, Are riches worth your care: (for Nature’s wants 295 Are few, and without opulence supplied.) This noble end is, to produce the Soul; To shew the virtues in their fairest light; To make Humanity the Minister Of bounteous Providence; and teach the Breast 300 That generous luxury the Gods enjoy. Thus, in his graver vein, the friendly Sage Sometimes declaim’d. Of Right and Wrong he taught Truths as resin’d as ever Athens heard; And (strange to tell!) he practis’d what he preach’d. 305 Skill’d in the Passions, how to check their sway He knew, as far as Reason can controul The lawless Powers. But other cares are mine: Form’d in the school of Pæon, I relate What Passions hurt the body, what improve: 310 Avoid them, or invite them, as you may.