On the Nature of Man.
295
Upon ourselves we turn a curious eye,
And into our own nature strive to pry.
Thought is to those who live in crowds unknown,
We seriously reflect when left alone.
With thee I fain would soar on wisdom's wing
From this vile world to its Eternal King.
That wondrous chain discover, if you can,
Which links the heavens with earth, with angels man:
That world of beings subject to one law,
Which Plato and which Pope in fancy saw.
In vain you press me, such a great design
My genius must in silent awe decline:
Gallic correctness all my flights restrains,
Ours are not free like Greek or British strains.
'Tis Pope's to speak, I am to silence bound,
Bachelors of Bourges may mysteries expound.
I've taken no degree, nor will engage
In fierce debate or war polemic wage.
Hear a recital with instruction fraught,
Which by Fourmont may be a fable thought;
But which I in a Chinese author found
Translated by a Jesuit profound.
A mouse did once thus to another say,
"O'er what a noble empire bear we sway!
This palace's deep foundations erst were laid
For us; for us by God these holes were made.
See you those hams in yon vault closely pent?
By God they thither for our use were sent.
Those hills of bacon, an unfailing store,
Shall last for us till time shall be no more.
And into our own nature strive to pry.
Thought is to those who live in crowds unknown,
We seriously reflect when left alone.
With thee I fain would soar on wisdom's wing
From this vile world to its Eternal King.
That wondrous chain discover, if you can,
Which links the heavens with earth, with angels man:
That world of beings subject to one law,
Which Plato and which Pope in fancy saw.
In vain you press me, such a great design
My genius must in silent awe decline:
Gallic correctness all my flights restrains,
Ours are not free like Greek or British strains.
'Tis Pope's to speak, I am to silence bound,
Bachelors of Bourges may mysteries expound.
I've taken no degree, nor will engage
In fierce debate or war polemic wage.
Hear a recital with instruction fraught,
Which by Fourmont may be a fable thought;
But which I in a Chinese author found
Translated by a Jesuit profound.
A mouse did once thus to another say,
"O'er what a noble empire bear we sway!
This palace's deep foundations erst were laid
For us; for us by God these holes were made.
See you those hams in yon vault closely pent?
By God they thither for our use were sent.
Those hills of bacon, an unfailing store,
Shall last for us till time shall be no more.
