II. Two principles in human nature reign; Self-love to urge, and reason to restrain;[1148] Nor this a good, nor that a bad we call, 55 Each works its end to move or govern all:[1149] And to their proper operation still[1150] Ascribe all good; to their improper, ill. [Sidenote: Self-love the stronger, and why.] Self-love, the spring of motion, acts[1151] the soul; Reason's comparing balance rules the whole.[1152] 60 Man, but for that, no action could attend, And, but for this, were active to no end: Fixed like a plant on his peculiar spot, To draw nutrition, propagate, and rot;[1153] Or, meteor-like, flame lawless through the void,[1154] 65 Destroying others, by himself destroyed. Most strength the moving principle requires; Active its task, it prompts, impels, inspires; Sedate and quiet, the comparing lies, Formed but to check, delib'rate, and advise. 70 Self-love still stronger, as its objects nigh: Reason's at distance, and in prospect lie:[1155] That sees immediate good by present sense; Reason, the future and the consequence.[1156] [Sidenote: Their end the same.] Thicker than arguments, temptations throng, 75 At best more watchful this, but that more strong. The action of the stronger to suspend, Reason still use, to reason still attend. Attention, habit and experience gains;[1157] Each strengthens reason, and self-love restrains. 80 Let subtle schoolmen teach these friends to fight, More studious to divide than to unite; And grace and virtue,[1158] sense[1159] and reason split,[1160] With all the rash dexterity of wit. Wits, just like fools, at war about a name, 85 Have full as oft no meaning, or the same.[1161] Self-love and reason to one end aspire, Pain their aversion, pleasure their desire;[1162] [Sidenote: The passions and their use.]