And senates heard before they judged a

cause;

60 How wouldst thou shake at Britain's modish tribe,

Dart the quick taunt, and edge the piercing gibe!

Attentive truth and nature to descry,

And pierce each scene with philosophic eye. To thee were solemn toys, or empty show, 65 The robes of pleasure and the veils of woe; All aid the farce, and all thy mirth maintain, Whose joys are causeless, or whose griefs are vain.

Such was the scorn that filled the sage's mind,

Renewed at ev'ry glance on human kind; 70 How just that scorn ere yet thy voice declare, Search every state, and canvass ev'ry prayer. Unnumbered suppliants crowd Preferment's gate,

Athirst for wealth, and burning to be great, Delusive Fortune hears th' incessant call, 75 They mount, they shine, evaporate, and fall. On ev'ry stage the foes of peace attend, Hate dogs their flight, and insult marks their end,

Love ends with hope, the sinking statesman's door

Pours in the morning worshipper no more; 80 For growing names the weekly scribbler lies, To growing wealth the dedicator flies, From ev'ry room descends the painted face, That hung the bright palladium of the place; And smoked in kitchens, or in auctions sold,

85

On weak foundations raise th' enormous weight?

Why but to sink beneath misfortune's blow, With louder ruin to the gulfs below?

What gave great Villiers to th' assassin's