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science.
Whose solemn weed, and quaint, and crabbed phrase,
Beguile the foolish million of their praise;
But he is Pedantry, howe'er he claim
My attributes, my votaries, and my name!
I am the same who pointed Newton's eye
To pierce the myst'ries of the concave sky,
And, when recall'd to earth his daring view,
Breath'd in his ear the secret known to few,
That worlds explor'd, and clouds and oceans past,
All man can grasp, is emptiness at last!
This truth is mine, in painful study learn'd,
By deep research, and long inquiry earn'd.
The social bond knits Pedantry and Pride,
Humility is still my faithful guide,
Tho' Genius sometimes rashly bounds before,
And tempts where rocks arise and billows roar;
Now for awhile the wanderers are at rest,
I and my guide secure in Harriet's breast;