Classic Poem

Translated from the French.

To the Creator, render what is due;
Reflect, ere aught you undertake to do.
With Caution chuse, the Company you keep;
The Flock is often marr'd, by one scabb'd Sheep.
Of those bright Talents, Nature amply gave,
Be not vain-glorious, boast not what you have.
To others Sentiments, it's better yield,
Than by hot Argument to keep the Field.
Politely give Attention to the Wise,
Nor e'er be compotent, in your own Eyes.
Talk not to any one, above their Sphere;
In all your Conversations be sincere.
Your Word inviolably keep, and take
Due Time to think, ere you a Promise make.
Be mild, obliging, affable and kind,
To ev'ry human Being, well inclin'd.
Shun Familiarity with those below you;
Yet wear an easy Air, to all that know you.
Make no Decision, 'till with Reason's Aid
You've ev'ry Circumstance maturely weigh'd,
Disenterestedly your Love bestow;
Be prone to Pardon, but no Weakness shew.
Respectfully your high Superiors treat;
But from your Character ne'er derogate.
Each individual's Friendship cultivate;
Plunge not in Law-suits, to decide your Fate.
Affairs of others, never try to learn;
And modestly conceal your own Concern.
With Magnanimity, lend or bestow;
First, well convinc'd, they merit what you do.
But if to recompence your Friend you must;
Be nobly Grateful, if you wou'd be Just.
In what e'er Light, you'd willinglya ppear,
Avoid Excess, nor let that Monster near.
The Knowledge of yourself, with Care atchieve;
He's the worst Cheat, that does himself deceive.
Lament his Failings, that you cannot mend;
Slide o'er his Follies, be the faithful Friend.
Surmount that Anger, we may Madness call,
Nor let th' Effects of it, on any fall.
Where Discord reigns, endeavour to make Peace;
By Force of virtuous Deeds, revenge your Case.
Never with Spleen, another's Faults reprove,
And without Flatt'ry praise, those you approve.
Let Moderation, ev'n Laughter rule;
And bear a Jest, lest you be thought a Fool.
Esteem Mankind, if Good, in ev'ry Station;
And never criticise with Ostentation.
Reproach not ere the Favours you bestow;
But place them with those Secrets, none shou'd know.
Prevent the Wants of him that's in Distress;
Be truly generous, without Excess.
Subdue a growing Pride, and never speak
But well of absent Friends, for Friendship's sake.
That Hell-born Vice, Ingratitude, detest;
To lengthen Life — Sobriety is best.
Play for your Pleasure, and genteely play;
But ne'er beyond the Bounds of Prudence stray.
Speak little, and think much, deceiving none;
Esteem most highly, Favours to you done.
Take no Advantage of your luckless Debtor;
Be kind, and to his Woes be no Abettor.
On the high Fortune of your Neighbour, try
To Look with Pleasure, not with Envy's Eye.
Boast not of aught — your Secrets keep — and then
You'll be above, the vulgar Chat of Men.