Page:The Art of Preserving Health - A Poem in Four Books.djvu/130

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 * Know then, whatever chearful and serene

Supports the mind, supports the body too. Hence the most vital movement mortals feel Is Hope; the balm and life-blood of the soul. It pleases, and it lasts. Indulgent heaven Sent down the kind delusion, thro' the paths Of rugged life; to lead us patient on; And make our happiest state no tedious thing. Our greatest good, and what we lead can spare, Is Hope; the last of all our evils, Fear.


 * But there are Passions grateful to the breast,

And yet no friends to Life; perhaps they please Or to excess, and dissipate the soul; Or while they please, torment. The stubborn Clown, The ill-tam'd Ruffian, and pale Usurer, (If Love's omnipotence such hearts can mould) May safely mellow into love; and grow Rh