EPISTLE THE SECOND

Kjnow then thyself, présume not God to scan ; The proper study of mankind is man.

Placed on this isthmus of a middle state, A being darkly wise, and rudely great; With too much knowledge for the sceptic side, With too much weakness for the stoic'is pride, He hangs between; in doubt to act, or rest; In doubt to deem himself a god, or beast ; In doubt his mind or body to prefer; Born but to die, and reasoning but to err ; Alike in ignorance his reason such, Whether hê thinks too little or too much :

Chaos of thought and passion, ail confused; Still by himself abused or disabused; Greated half to rise, and half to fall ; Great lord of ail things, y et a prey to ail : Sole judge of truth, in endless error hurlVi: The glory, jest, and riddle of the world !

Go, wondrous créature ! mount where science guides, Go, measure earth, weigh air, anàatate the tides; Instruct the planets in what orbs ^Vun,

Correct old time, and regulate the sun;

ESSAI SUR L'HOMME