On Conversation (1782) [ Concepts ]
… double his distress, He likes yours little, and his own still less. Thus always teasing others, always teased, His only pleasure is to be displeased. I pity bashful men, who feel the pain Of fancied scorn and undeserved disdain, And bear the … awful throne All tremble in all worlds, except our own, To supplicate his mercy, love his ways, And prize them above pleasure, wealth, or praise, Though common sense, allow'd a casting voice, And free from bias, must approve the choice, … every social scene, And give good company a face severe, As if they met around a father's bier; For tell some men that, pleasure all their bent, And laughter all their work, is life misspent, Their wisdom bursts into this sage reply, Then …
Conversation | Crime
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