Samuel Johnson,
The Vanity of Human Wishes
(1749)
“ For Love, which scarce collective Man can fill; For Patience sov'reign o'er transmuted Ill; For Faith, that panting for a happier Seat, Thinks Death kind Nature's Signal of Retreat: These Goods for Man the Laws of Heav'n ordain, These Goods he grants, who grants the Pow'r to gain; With these celestial Wisdom calms the Mind, And makes the Happiness she does not find. ”
Samuel Johnson,
The Vanity of Human Wishes
(1749)
“ And crouds with Crimes the Records of Mankind, For Gold his Sword the Hireling Ruffian draws, For Gold the hireling Judge distorts the Laws; Wealth heap'd on Wealth, nor Truth nor Safety buys, The Dangers gather as the Treasures rise. ”
Samuel Johnson,
The Vanity of Human Wishes
(1749)
“ Low sculks the Hind beneath the Rage of Pow'r, And leaves the bonny Traytor in the Tow'r, Untouch'd his Cottage, and his Slumbers sound, Tho' Confiscation's Vulturs clang around. The needy Traveller, serene and gay, Walks the wild Heath, and sings his Toil away. Does Envy seize thee? crush th' upbraiding Joy, Encrease his Riches and his Peace destroy, New Fears in dire Vicissitude invade, The rustling Brake alarms, and quiv'ring Shade, Nor Light nor Darkness bring his Pain Relief, One shews the Plunder, and one hides the Thief. ”
