Page:An Epistle to Curio - Akenside (1744).djvu/20

 O Race erect! whose native Strength of Soul, Which Kings, nor Priests, nor sordid Laws controul, Bursts the tame Round of animal Affairs, And seeks a nobler Center for its Cares; Intent the Laws of Life to comprehend, And fix Dominion's Limits by its End. Who bold and equal in their Love or Hate, By conscious Reason judging every State, The Man forget not, tho' in Rags he lies, And know the Mortal thro' a Crown's Disguise: Thence prompt alike with witty Scorn to view Fastidious Grandeur lift his solemn Brow, Or all awake at Pity's soft Command, Bend the mild Ear and stretch the gracious Hand: Thence large of Heart, from Envy far remov'd, When public Toils to Virtue stand approv'd, Not the young Lover fonder to admire, Nor more indulgent the delighted Sire; Yet