Page:An Essay on Criticism - Pope (1711).pdf/41

Be silent always when you doubt your Sense;
Speak when you're sure, yet speak with Diffidence;
Some positive persisting Fops we know,
Who, if once wrong, will needs be always so;
But you, with Pleasure own your Errors past,
And make each Day a Critick on the last.
'Tis not enough your Counsel still be true,
Blunt Truths more Mischief than nice Falshoods do;
Men must be taught as if you taught them not;
And Things ne'er known propos'd as Things forgot:
Without Good Breeding, Truth is not approv'd,
That only makes Superior Sense belov'd.
Be Niggards of Advice on no Pretence;
For the worst Avarice is that of Sense:
With mean Complacence ne'er betray your Trust,
Nor be so Civil as to prove Unjust;
Fear not the Anger of the Wise to raise;
Those best can bear Reproof, who merit Praise.

'Twere