Classic Poem

If to my choice indulgent Heav'n would give,
This life worn out, another life to life,
And say, " Partake what form delights thee best,
" Be man again, again with reason blest;
" Assume the horse's strength, the sheep's warm coat,
" Bark in the dog, or wanton in the goat;
" For this is Fate's immutable decree,
" And one more being is reserv'd for thee:
To bounteous Heav'n I'd thus prefer my prayer;
" O let not Reason's lamp be lighted here!
" Make me not man; his only-partial race
" Holds vice in credit, virtue in disgrace.
" The steed victorious in the rapid course
" Eats food more dainty than the sluggish horse:
" Is there a dog, distinguish'd for his smell?
" No common dog will ever fare so well:
" The gallant cock that boasts heroic blood,
" Rakes not in dirty dunghills for his food;
" And should he strut among the feathered crew,
" Each conscious brother pays him honour due.
" Man, tho' of each accomplishment possest,
" Renown'd for valour, and with virtue blest,
" Gains from the heedless world no due regard,
" His worth no praise, his valour no reward:
" While fawning flatterers bask in Fortune's ray,
" Knaves that detract, and villains that betray.
" 'Tis better far thro' any form to pass,
" To crawl a reptile, or to drudge an ass,
" Than see base miscreants, Guilt's abandon'd crew,
" Enjoy those honours that are Virtue's due."