Page:An Essay on Man - Pope (1751).pdf/28

 NOW then thyself, presume not to scan; The proper study of mankind is man. Plac'd on this isthmus of a middle state, A being darkly wise, and rudely great: With too much knowledge for the sceptic side, With too much weakness for the stoic's pride, He hangs between; in doubt to act, or rest, In doubt to deem himself a, or beast; In doubt his mind or body to prefer, Born but to die, and reas'ning but to err; Alike his ignorance, his reason such, Whether he thinks too little, or too much: Chaos of thought and passion, all confus'd; Still by himself abus'd or disabus'd: Created half to rise, and half to fall; Great lord of all things, yet a prey to all; Sole judge of truth, in endless error hurl'd; The glory, jest, and riddle of the world! , wond'rous creature! mount where science guides, Go, measure earth, weigh air, and state the tides: Instruct the planets in what orbs to run, Correct old time, and regulate the sun; Go, soar with Author:Plato to th' empyreal sphere, To the first good, first perfect, and first fair;