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But not like the bigotted Monk
My time I would wish to employ,
So deep in observances sunk,
And so full of religion's alloy.

A rational plan I'll pursue,

Endeav'ring the mind to improve;

Of mankind I'll take a brief view,
And mark how the passions do move.

What a field to my eye doth appear!
There's nothing so complex as man;
My powers will not reach it, I fear,
Yet the theme I'll essay as I can.

On glory some are so intent,

It makes them all danger despise-
They dread not the battle's event
Where honour alone is the prize.

Yes, power has her votaries too,
Intent upon sovereign rule,
All means they employ and pursue
To compass the wish of their soul.

Wealth, wealth it is greatly desired,
And look'd on as life's all in all;
It purchaseth all that's required,

From the Crown to the cobbler's stall.

But still blacker passions there are,
O'er which I would fain draw a veil ;
But truth, I am bound to declare,
And candour must always prevail.

In tyranny's features so stern

See cruelty plainly appear, With her Hydra talons of iron,

She mankind in pieces would tear.

Lust and violence aye in her train,

Rape and murder twin-sisters surround; God grant these may ne'er cross the main, Nor pollute with their tread British ground.

There lurks 'neath yon dark clouded brow
Grim Malice, curs'd offspring of Hell;
Such black deeds in privacy brew,

As shock human nature to tell.

In his dark scowling mind there's no peace, Of every thing good he's bereft ;

But conscience to sting will not cease,

His punishment's in his own breast.

When night re-asserts her dark reign
Ensanguin'd revenge steps abroad,
Then lifts the assassin his arm,
Contemning the laws of his God.

His blood like a furnace does boil,
While quiet from his pillow doth fly;
Dread remorse takes firm hold of the soul....
Despair does appear in his eye.

There stalketh hypocrisy grave,
Of sanctity making a boast;
Whose object is still to deceive,
To honour and honesty lost,

Falsehood it does from her proceed→
Oppression's stern rod he doth sway;
Self-interest's a part of her creed-

Her trust she does always betray,

Ingratitude still does neglect

The debt unto friendship that's due;

And treateth with cold disrespect

Friends from whom e'en her fortune did flow.

How base does such conduct appear,

To true magnanimity lost!

Yet many such people there are

Who of cunning and guile make a boast.

But now I will change the dark scene,
And try to exhibit to you

A picture that is more serene,
And pleasanter far to the view.

See Prudence, with aspect so sage,
Examine all matters by rule,
No project her care can engage

Without the assent of the will.

Each scheme in her wisdom is form'd,
All consequences justly she weighs-
'Gainst guile, fraud, and anger, thus arm'd,
She Reason's safe dictates obeys.

Kind temperance the passions control,
And virtue her conduct does sway,
Suppressing each tumult of soul,
Lust and cruelty chasing away.

Sobriety sweeteneth health,

The faculties clear doth preserve
Points to honour, distinction, and wealth,
And bids us prepare for the grave.

While Justice suspendeth the scales,
Our merits impartial to weigh;
Strict rectitude with her prevails,
Her trust she'll by no means betray.

Such deeds as it seems meet to do,
By us and our brethren mankind,
Such justice we also should show,
With cheerful and resolute mind.

Firm Fortitude braveth distress,

And sweet on misfortune can smile;

Though poverty sorely may press,

She'll ne'er wear the semblance of guile.