Song CXXXII. Mediocrity

In a neighbourly way, with an honest man's fame, Unoffending, I hope to succeed; Attend if you please, if you're pleas'd with a name, Imprimis, let Probity lead.

Be careful to keep on Humility's side, Nor ever lose Gratitude's view; Obey not the Envy of Pique nor of Pride, Nor pilfer from Merit its due.

Be assur'd that Esteem is a noble Estate,— Let not a fond smile make you proud; Nor rail at Men merely because they are Great, Be not dup'd by the Roar of a Croud.

Shun Flattery's phrase, let not Promise allure, Nor dangle for Dinners in Taste; Forget not old Friends, tho' perhaps they are poor, Nor make new Acquaintance in haste.

Oh! suffer not Interest, Friendship to wean, Accept not Servility's treat; Nor silently witness Iniquity's scene, But open at once on Deceit.

Remember Yourself, spare the shame of your Friend, Nor carry your Wit to excess; With Spirit the Cause of the Absent defend, And shrink not your arm from Distress.

Oppress not the Low, nor be High People's Slave, Nor ever despair nor be vain; Howe'er inconsistent the World may behave, Mediocrity ever maintain.

His views let Ambition extend o'er the State, Let Avarice gluttonize Wealth; No Nabobs I wish for, I wou'd not be great, I only ask humbly for Health.

How chearful, in Health, will my latter days pass, Unenvy'd, unenvying live; With the Friends I have prov'd, and my fav'rite Lass, And PRACTICE THE PRECEPTS I GIVE.