IV. on Truth

Truth boasts no supernat'ral light, Yet smiles at Fable's moral slight, And skilful in the rapt'rous art, Herself can sometimes bear a part. Daughter of reason pure, and love! Ador'd by all who pleasure prove, Thy mild yet energetic ray, Like Hesperus at close of day, Not dazzles with excess of light, But charms while it directs the sight. Thou lov'st the unfrequented way, Where genius and fair science stray.