Would you be wise? Ne'er take it ill you're thought
A fool, because you tamely set at naught
Things not within your pow'r, but pass them by
Without a wish, with a regardless eye;
A senseless stock, because no loss or pain
Makes you lament or childishly complain.
Never pretend to skill, nor wish to seem
Deep learn'd, nor court a popular esteem:
But if, admir'd by men, you pass for wise,
And draw their list'ning ears, and foll'wing eyes,
Rather mistrust, and doubt yourself from thence,
They're oftner fond of folly than of sense;
While they admire, while you their praises hear,
You're nearer to the fool than e'er you were:
'Tis very likely some gross vanity,
They fancy in themselves, and love to see
Ripen'd in you to full maturity:
As lust of glory, or a strong desire
Of wealth, or pow'r, or splendour in attire,
'Tis altogether vain, to think t'adhere
To the strict principles agreed on here,
While you the course quite contrary do steer,
To things not in your pow'r; which if you reach,
You needs must quit the discipline we teach.