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In vain the grave, with retrospective eye,
Would from th' apparent what conclude the why,
Infer the Motive from the Deed, and show
That what we chanc'd, was what we meant, to do.
Behold! if Fortune, or a Mistress frowns,
Some plunge in bus'ness, others shave their Crowns:
To ease the Soul of one oppressive Weight,
This quits an Empire, that embroils a State:
The same adust Complection has impell'd
[1]Charles to the Convent, Philip to the Field.
Not always Actions shew the Man: we find,
Who does a Kindness is not therefore kind;
Perhaps Prosperity becalm'd his breast;
Perhaps the Wind just shifted from the East.
Not always humble he who seeks Retreat,
Pride guides his steps, and bids him shun the Great.
Who combats bravely, is not therefore brave;
He dreads a Death-bed like the meanest slave.
Who reasons wisely, is not therefore wise;
His pride in res'aoning, not in acting lies.
Would from th' apparent what conclude the why,
Infer the Motive from the Deed, and show
That what we chanc'd, was what we meant, to do.
Behold! if Fortune, or a Mistress frowns,
Some plunge in bus'ness, others shave their Crowns:
To ease the Soul of one oppressive Weight,
This quits an Empire, that embroils a State:
The same adust Complection has impell'd
[1]Charles to the Convent, Philip to the Field.
Not always Actions shew the Man: we find,
Who does a Kindness is not therefore kind;
Perhaps Prosperity becalm'd his breast;
Perhaps the Wind just shifted from the East.
Not always humble he who seeks Retreat,
Pride guides his steps, and bids him shun the Great.
Who combats bravely, is not therefore brave;
He dreads a Death-bed like the meanest slave.
Who reasons wisely, is not therefore wise;
His pride in res'aoning, not in acting lies.
- ↑ CHARLES V.PHILIP II.
But
