Page:The Art of Preserving Health - A Poem in Four Books.djvu/12

4 "How best the fickle fabric to support "Of mortal man; in healthful body how "A healthful mind the longest to maintain." 'Tis hard, in such a strife of rules, to chuse The best, and those of most extensive use; Harder in clear and animated song Dry philosophic precepts to convey. Yet with thy aid the secret wilds I trace Of nature, and with daring steps proceed Thro' paths the muses never trod before.
 * Nor should I wander doubtful of my way.

Had I the lights of that sagacious mind Which taught to check the pestilential fire, And quel the dreaded Python of the Nile. O Thou belov'd by all the graceful arts, Thou long the fav'rite of the healing powers, Indulge, O ! a well-design'd essay, Rh