Whatever warms the heart, or fills the head, As the mind opens, and its functions spread, Imagination plies her dang'rous art, And pours it all upon the peccant part.[1190] Nature its mother, habit is its nurse; 145 Wit, spirit, faculties,[1191] but make it worse; Reason itself but gives it edge and pow'r;[1192] As heav'n's bless'd beam turns vinegar more sour.[1193] We, wretched subjects, though to lawful sway,[1194] In this weak queen some fav'rite still obey; 150 Ah! if she lend not arms as well as rules, What can she more[1195] than tell us we are fools? Teach us to mourn our nature, not to mend, A sharp accuser, but a helpless friend! Or from a judge turn pleader, to persuade 155 The choice we make, or justify it made;[1196] Proud of an easy conquest all along, She but removes weak passions for the strong.[1197] So when small humours gather to a gout, The doctor fancies he has driv'n them out.[1198] 160 Yes, nature's road must ever be preferred; Reason is here no guide, but still a guard; 'Tis hers to rectify, not overthrow, And treat this passion more as friend than foe: [Sidenote: Its necessity in directing men to different purposes.] A mightier pow'r the strong direction sends,[1199] 165 And sev'ral men impels to sev'ral ends:[1200] Like varying winds, by other passions tossed, This drives them constant to a certain coast.[1201] Let pow'r or knowledge, gold or glory, please, Or (oft more strong than all) the love of ease;[1202] 170 Through life 'tis followed, ev'en at life's expense; The merchant's toil, the sage's indolence, The monk's humility, the hero's pride, All, all alike find reason on their side. [Sidenote: Its providential use in fixing our principle, and ascertaining our virtue.]