Introduction to this more difficult part of the subject. Of Truth and its three classes, matter of fact, experimental or scientifical truth (contra-distinguished from opinion), and universal truth; which last is either metaphysical or geometrical, either purely intellectual or perfectly abstracted. On the power of discerning truth depends that of acting with the view of an end; a circumstance essential to virtue. Of Virtue, considered in the divine mind as a perpetual and universal beneficence. Of human virtue, considered as a system of particular sentiments and actions, suitable to the design of Providence and the condition of man; to whom it constitutes the chief good and the first beauty. Of Vice, and its origin. Of Ridicule: its general nature and final cause. Of the Passions; particularly of those which relate to evil natural or moral, and which are generally accounted painful, though not always unattended with pleasure. Thus far of Beauty and the pleasing forms Which man's untutor'd fancy, from the scenes Imperfect of this ever changing world, Creates; and views, enarnour'd. Now my song Severer themes demand: mysterious Truth; And Virtue, sovereign good: the spells, the trains, The progeny of Error; the dread sway Of Passion; and whatever hidden stores From her own lofty deeds and from herself The mind acquires. Severer argument: 10 Not less attractive; nor deserving less A constant ear. For what are all the forms Educed by fancy from corporeal things, Greatness, or pomp, or symmetry of parts? Not tending to the heart, soon feeble grows, As the blunt arrow 'gainst the knotty trunk, Their impulse on the sense: while the pall'd eye Expects in vain its tribute; asks in vain, Where are the ornaments it once admired? Not so the moral species, nor the powers 20 Of Passion and of Thought. The ambitious mind With objects boundless as her own desires Can there converse: by these unfading forms Touch'd and awaken'd still, with eager act She bends each nerve, and meditates well pleased Her gifts, her godlike fortune. Such the scenes Now opening round us. May the destined verse Maintain its equal tenor, though in tracts Obscure and arduous! May the source of light, All-present, all-sufficient, guide our steps 30 Through every maze! and whom, in childish years, From the loud throng, the beaten paths of wealth And power, thou didst apart send forth to speak In tuneful words concerning highest things, Him still do thou, O Father, at those hours Of pensive freedom, when the human soul Shuts out the rumour of the world, him still Touch thou with secret lessons; call thou back Each erring thought; and let the yielding strains From his full bosom, like a welcome rill 40 Spontaneous from its healthy fountain, flow!