Page:An Essay on Criticism - Pope (1711).pdf/41

 Be silent always when you doubt your Sense; Speak when you're sure, yet speak with Diffidence; Some positive persisting Fops we know, Who, if once wrong, will needs be always so; But you, with Pleasure own your Errors past, And make each Day a Critick on the last. 'Tis not enough your Counsel still be true, Blunt Truths more Mischief than nice Falshoods do; Men must be taught as if you taught them not; And Things ne'er known propos'd as Things forgot: Without Good Breeding, Truth is not approv'd, That only makes Superior Sense belov'd. Be Niggards of Advice on no Pretence; For the worst Avarice is that of Sense: With mean Complacence ne'er betray your Trust, Nor be so Civil as to prove Unjust; Fear not the Anger of the Wise to raise; Those best can bear Reproof, who merit Praise. 'Twere