Classic Poem

Oh Heav'n! if Mortals could foresee
Th' Events of dark Futurity;
They wisely might their Conduct steer,
And justly Rationals appear.

But now by Passions hurried on,
We blindfold to Destruction run;
Nor can distinguish Truth from Lies,
Or sacred Vows from Perjuries.

Ah cruel Passions! cruel Fate!
Why, are we born to love and hate?
Why, can we for these Passions give
No better Cause than why we live?

Why, can't we from our Passions run,
No more than we can Living shun?
Why, know we Right, yet Wrong pursue,
And doat on the delusive View?