On Conversation (1782) [ Concepts ]
… in his frequent prayers. Go, quit the rank to which ye stood preferr'd, Henceforth associate in one common herd; Religion, virtue, reason, common sense, Pronounce your human form a false pretence: A mere disguise, in which a devil … come to waft us out of sorrow's power, Obscure or quench a faculty that finds Its happiest soil in the serenest minds? Religion curbs indeed its wanton play, And brings the trifler under rigorous sway, But gives it usefulness unknown … with the garland of life's blooming years; Yet age, by long experience well inform'd, Well read, well temper'd, with religion warm'd, That fire abated which impels rash youth, Proud of his speed, to overshoot the truth, As time improves …
Conversation | Crime
Anthology