Reason reproved
Though I repeat it. Not in vain
He speaks who to a fool makes plain
His foolishness. It is but right
That you should see in clearest light6050
How you, who hold yourself so high,
Have spoken most immodestly.”
Reason.
“I think I understand the gist
Of what thou say’st, but wherefore twist
My words to mean that I would urge
Thee on to hate? Shouldst thou emerge
From out one folly, pray what need
Is there that what I say should lead
On to another ? If I advise
Thee to forsake thy mad emprise6060
Of love, should that then indicate
A wish to see thee turn towards hate?
Horace hath writ—no dullard he—
That fools from one absurdity
Fall to a greater, and their last
Estate is worse than that they’ve passed.
The love whereof I raise alarm,
Is one that scarce can fail to harm
Thy life.
If I on thee should press
To flee the vice of drunkenness,6070
Wouldst thou suppose I’d have thee shrink
From every kind of wholesome drink?
Such counsel wouldst thou treat with scorn,
As not worth one poor peppercorn.
