Classic Poem

I've heard of maids , who first resolve, too fast,
And then weigh arguments, when facts are past :
Young, tho' my reason is, not so , it stray'd;
But, first, found pleadings, for the part, I play'd.

Play'd, said I?—second thought that word retracts;
Fancies and follies play , but passion ACTS :
Passion! the spring , that all life's wheels employs,
Winds up the working thought —and heightens joys.
Passion! the great man's guide , the poor man's blame ;
The soldier's lawrel, and the sigher's flame.
Passion! that leads the grave, impels the gay,
Bids the wise tremble , and the fool betray .
Ev'n at this hour, what's here our pastime made,
Gives the court business , and the kingdom, trade ;
When factions quarrel, or when statesmen fall,
Each does but act his part , at passion's call.
Like our's, to night, Lord Passion sets their task;
Their fears, hopes, flatt'ries—all are passion's masque .
The world's wide stage, for this one practice, fill'd,
Sees some act , nobly, others PLAY unskill'd.
Triflers, and smarts, who toy time's dream away,
Sots, beaux, and hounds of party , these but play .
Sons of their country's hope, sublimely, rackt,
For other's rest .—These do not play , but ACT .

Who play the poorest parts? —the bought, the vain,
The light believer, and the perjur'd swain;
The dull, dry joker , the coarse, ill-bred bear ,
The friends of folly, and the foes of care.

Who act their parts, with praise —the firm, the just,
Who sell no sentiments, and break no trust;
The learn'd, the soft, the social, and the kind,
The faithful lover, and the plain good mind.

Such the bect actors —form'd for honour's stage!
Who play no farces , and disgrace no age .
But, copying nature, with true taste, like ours,
Please, and are pleas'd, and wing the guiltless hours.