Classic Poem

Which all perceive, and envy deems complete.
" O Nature! " cries the wretch of human birth,
" O why a step-dame to this lord of earth?
" To brutes indulgent bends thy partial care,
" While just complainings fill our natal air.
" Helpless, uncloathed, the pride of nature lies,
" And Heaven relentless hears his viceroy's cries.
" O wherefore not with native bounties bless'd,
" Nor thus in humble poor dependance dress'd?
" Give me the self-born garb, the bark of trees,
" The downy feather, and the wintry fleece;
" The crocodile's invulnerable scale,
" Or the firm tortoise's impervious mail;
" The strength of elephants, the rein deer's speed,
" Fleet and elastic as the bounding steed;
" The peacock's state of gorgeous plumage add,
" Gay as the dove in golden verdure clad;
" Give me the scent of each sagacious hound,
" The lynx's eye, and linnet's warbling sound;
" The soaring wing and steerage of the crane,
" And spare the toil and dangers of the main:
" O why of these thy bounteous goods bereft,
" And only to interior Reason left?
" There, there alone, I bless thy kind decree;
" Nor cause of grief, or emulation see. "

Thus needless prayers for needless gifts are sent,
And man is, only in his wants, content;
Indocile where he needs instruction most,
His only error is his only boast.

Ye self-sufficient sons of reasoning pride
Too wise to take O MNISCIENCE for your guide,
Those rules from insects, birds, and brutes discern,
Which from the Maker you disdain to learn! —
The social friendship, and the firm ally,
The filial sanctitude, and nuptial tie,
Patience in want, and faith to persevere,
The endearing sentiment, and tender care,
Courage o'er private interest to prevail,
And die all Decii for the public weal.

Nor less for geometric schemes renown'd,
And skill'd in arts and sciences profound,
Their textured webs with matchless craft surprize,
Their buildings in amazing structures rise:
To them each clime, and longitude is known,
Each finds a chart and compass of his own;
They judge the influence of every star,
And calculate the seasons from afar;
Thro' devious air pursue the certain way,
Nor ever from the Conscious Dictate stray.