In ev'ry thing that happens search you mind
And try what force, what faculties you find
For the encounter of the object fit,
In the same moment when you meet with it:
As if some beauteous female you espy,
Whose pow'rful air detains your wond'ring eye,
Straight ransacking the treasures of your soul,
You'll find strong temp'rance will that pow'r control,
Whose cool directions presently asswage.
The keenest fires, the dog-star beauty's rage:
These (if you mean to conquer) soon disarm
Each soft'ning smile, and each obliging charm.
Are any hardships of laborious weight
Impos'd? by fortitude they're conquer'd straight,
Nor rowling seas, nor an impetuous wind
Can overset this ballast of the mind;
Secure of storms you on the billows ride,
And stem the furious current of the tide,
Are you abus'd? hath any done you wrong
By the base venom of a railing tongue?
Soft patience gives an easy remedy,
Deadens the force of the artillery;
The poyson spreads into the yielding air,
Unhurt you find it pass and vanish there.
In your own breast you'll always find supply
Of aid: If you but make this scrutiny,
No entrance of the foe you need to fear,
You'll find th' avenues guarded ev'ry where.