(As kings dispense with laws themselves have made,[114]) Moderns, beware! or if you must offend Against the precept, ne'er transgress its end; Let it be seldom, and compelled by need; 165 And have, at least, their precedent to plead. The critic else proceeds without remorse, Seizes your fame, and puts his laws in force. I know there are, to whose presumptuous thoughts Those freer beauties, ev'n in them, seem faults.[115] 170 Some figures monstrous and mis-shaped[116] appear, Considered singly, or beheld too near, Which, but proportioned to their light, or place, Due distance reconciles to form and grace.[117] A prudent chief not always must display[118] 175 His pow'rs in equal rank, and fair array, But with th' occasion and the place comply, Conceal his force, nay, seem sometimes to fly. Those oft are stratagems which errors seem,[119] Nor is it Homer nods but we that dream.[120] 180 Still green with bays each ancient altar stands, Above the reach of sacrilegious hands;[121] Secure from flames, from envy's fiercer rage, Destructive war, and all-involving age.[122] See, from each clime, the learn'd their incense bring; 185 Hear, in all tongues consenting Pæans ring! In praise so just let ev'ry voice be joined, And fill the gen'ral chorus of mankind.[123] Hail, bards triumphant! born in happier days;[124] Immortal heirs of universal praise! 190 Whose honours with increase of ages grow, As streams roll down, enlarging as they flow; Nations unborn your mighty names shall sound, And worlds applaud, that must not yet be found![125] O may some spark of your celestial fire, 195 The last, the meanest of your sons inspire, (That on weak wings, from far, pursues your flights; Glows while he reads, but trembles as he writes,) To teach vain wits a science little known, T' admire superior sense, and doubt their own! 200 II.