Our leave unask'd? rich hope of boundless bliss! Bliss, past Man's power to paint it; Time's, to close! This hope is earth's most estimable prize: This is man's portion, while no more than man: 1460 Hope, of all passions, most befriends us here; Passions of prouder name befriend us less. Joy has her tears; and Transport has her death; Hope, like a cordial, innocent, though strong, Man's heart, at once, inspirits, and serenes; Nor makes him pay his wisdom for his joys; 'Tis all our present state can safely bear, Health to the frame! and vigour to the mind! A joy attemper'd! a chastised delight! Like the fair summer evening, mild, and sweet! 1470 'Tis man's full cup; his paradise below! A blest hereafter, then, or hoped, or gain'd, Is all;--our whole of happiness: full proof, I chose no trivial or inglorious theme. And know, ye foes to song! (well-meaning men, Though quite forgotten half your Bible's[42] praise!) Important truths, in spite of verse, may please: Grave minds you praise; nor can you praise too much: If there is weight in an eternity, Let the grave listen;--and be graver still. 1480 VIRTUE'S APOLOGY; OR, THE MAN OF THE WORLD ANSWERED. IN WHICH ARE CONSIDERED, THE LOVE OF THIS LIFE; THE AMBITION AND PLEASURE, WITH THE WIT AND WISDOM, OF THE WORLD. NIGHT EIGHTH VIRTUE'S APOLOGY.