Ethics and Morality

As some to church repair, Not for the doctrine, but the music there. These equal syllables alone require, Though oft the ear the open vowels tire; While expletives their feeble aid do join, And ten low words oft creep in one dull line.

Be not the first by whom the new are tried, Nor yet the last to lay the old aside.

Such labored nothings, in so strange a style, Amaze th’ unlearn’d, and make the learned smile.

Let such teach others who themselves excel, And censure freely who have written well.

I hate the man who builds his name On ruins of another’s fame.

A God all mercy is a God unjust.

One to destroy, is murder by the law; And gibbets keep the lifted hand in awe; To murder thousands takes a specious name, War’s glorious art, and gives immortal fame.

When vice prevails, and impious men bear sway, The post of honor is a private station. 2

The woman that deliberates is lost. 1

Yet malice never was his aim; He lash’d the vice but spar’d the name. No individual could resent, Where thousands equally were meant. His satire points at no defect But what all mortals may correct; For he abhorr’d that senseless tribe Who call it humor when they gibe.

T’ abhor the makers, and their laws approve, Is to hate traitors and the treason love.

For every inch that is not fool is rogue.

So over violent, or over civil, That every man with him was God or Devil.

In pious times, ere priestcraft did begin, Before polygamy was made a sin.

He that complies against his will Is of his own opinion still.

As the ancients Say wisely, have a care o’ th’ main chance, And look before you ere you leap; For as you sow, ye are like to reap.

Oaths are but words, and words but wind.

He that imposes an oath makes it, Not he that for convenience takes it; Then how can any man be said To break an oath he never made?

Cleric before, and Lay behind; A lawless linsey-woolsey brother, Half of one order, half another.

Most men admire Virtue who follow not her lore.

I shall temper so Justice with mercy.

God so commanded, and left that command Sole daughter of his voice; the rest, we live Law to ourselves, our reason is our law.

Abash’d the Devil stood, And felt how awful goodness is, and saw Virtue in her shape how lovely.

Thus Belial with words cloth’d in reason’s garb Counsel’d ignoble ease, and peaceful sloth, Not peace.