On reading HUTCHINSON on the PASSIONS

Thou, who thro' nature's various maze can'st rove, And shew what springs the rapid passions move; Teach us to combat anger, grief, and fear, Recal the sigh, and check the flatting tear; Why was thy soft philosophy addrest, All to the vacant ear, and quiet breast? With ease may peaceful apathy be taught To those who stagnate in a calm of thought Whose hearts by love or hate were ne'er possest; Who ne'er were wretched, and who ne'er were blest: Who one dull slumber through their lives maintain, And only dream of pleasures and of pain. Serenely stupid. So some gentle stream Steals thro' the winding valleys still the same; So silent down the muddy channel creeps; While the soft zephyr on its bosom sleeps. My fervent soul a nobler art requires, Not to suppress, but regulate her fires: Some better guides, who temperately wife Allow to feel, yet teach us to despise. To reason's sway subject the soul's domain, And not subdue the passions, but restrain.