80
SATYR.
Yet they have North-west Passages to steer
185 A short Way to it, without Pains or Care.
For, as implicit Faith is far more stiff,
Than that which understands its own Belief;
So those, that think, and do but think, they know,[1]
190 Are far more obstinate, that those that do,
And more averse, than if they'd ne'er been taught
A wrong Way, to a right one to be brought;
Take Boldness upon Credit beforehand,
And grow too positive to understand;
195 Believe themselves as knowing, and as famous,
As if their Gifts had gotten a Mandamus,
A Bill of Store to take up a Degree,
With all the Learning to it, Custom-free;[2]
And look as big, for what they bought at Court,
200 As if they'd done their Exercises for't.
185 A short Way to it, without Pains or Care.
For, as implicit Faith is far more stiff,
Than that which understands its own Belief;
So those, that think, and do but think, they know,[1]
190 Are far more obstinate, that those that do,
And more averse, than if they'd ne'er been taught
A wrong Way, to a right one to be brought;
Take Boldness upon Credit beforehand,
And grow too positive to understand;
195 Believe themselves as knowing, and as famous,
As if their Gifts had gotten a Mandamus,
A Bill of Store to take up a Degree,
With all the Learning to it, Custom-free;[2]
And look as big, for what they bought at Court,
200 As if they'd done their Exercises for't.
- ↑ 188. We find pretty much the same Thought in his Hudibrass.
For Fools are stubborn in their Way
As Coins are harden'd by th' A'lay,
And Obstinacy's ne'er so stiff
As when 'tis in a wrong Belief.
Hudib. P. III. C. 2. Ver. 481. - ↑ 197, 198. A Bill of Store to take up a Degree—With all the Learning to it, Custom free.] A Bill of Store is a Licence, that the Merchant obtains at the Custom-house of taking up such Stores and Provisions, as are necessary for his Voyage, Custom-free. The Application is too just and obvious to need pointing out.
SATYR.
