_Faults_ we find,
But to our _own_ how few who are not _blind_? 210
How _long is Art_, how _short_, alas! our _Time_! }
How few who can above the _Vulgar_ climb, }
Whose _stronger Genius_ reach the _True Sublime_! }
With _tedious Rules_ which we our selves transgress,
We make the _Trouble more_ who strive to make it _less_.
But meanly why do you your _Fate_ deplore,
Yet still write on?--Why do a _Thousand_ more,
Who for their _own_ or some _Forefathers_ Crime
Are _doom'd_ to wear their _Days_ in _beating Rhime_?
But this a _Noble Patron_ will redress, 220
And make you _better write_, tho you _write less_:
Whate'er a _discontented Mind_ pretends,
_Distinguish'd Worth_ can rarely miss of _Friends_:
Do but _excel_, and he'll at last arise
Who from the _Dust_ may lift thee to the _Skies_;
For his _own Sake_ will his _Protection_ grant;
What _Horace_ e'er did yet _Mecaenas_ want?
Or if the _World_ its _Favours_ should refuse,
With _barren Smiles_ alone _reward_ thy Muse;
Be thy _own Patron_, thou no more wilt need, 230
For all will _court_ thee if thy _Works succeed_;
At least the few _Good Judges_ will commend,
And _secret growing Praise_ thy Steps attend.
Who shew'd _Columbus_ where the _Indies_ lay?
True to thy self, _charge through_, and _force_ to _Fame_ the way!
If _Envy snarl_, indulge it no _Reply_,
Write _better_ still, and let it _burst_ and _die_!
Rest pleas'd if you can please the _Wiser Few_,
Since _to please all is more than Heav'n it self can do_.
There are who _can_ whate'er they _will_ believe, 240
That _Bail's_ too hard for _Beady_, _Three_ are _Five_:
That Nature, Justice, Reason, Truth must fall,
With _Clear Idea's_ they'll _confound_ 'em all:
That _Parallels_ may _travel_ till they _meet_;
_Faith_ they can find in L----, no _Sense_ in STILLINGFLEET.
Disturb 'em not, but let 'em still enjoy
Th' _unenvy'd Charms_ of their _Eternal Moi_.
If to the _craggy Top of Fame_ you rise,
Those who are _lab'ring after_ ne'er _despise_.
Nor those _above_ on _Honours_ dazling Seat } 250
Tho _disoblig'd_, with _sawcy Rudeness_ treat, }
_Revenge_ not always is _below the Great_. }
Their _Stronger Genius_ may o'er thine prevail:
_Wit, Power_ and _Anger_ join'd but rarely fail.
Tho _Eagles_ w