PASCAL'S CHARACTER OF HIMSELF.
I
I love and honour a poor humble State,
Because my Saviour Jesus Christ was poor,
And Riches, too, that help us to abate
The Miseries which other Men endure.
II
I render back no Injuries again,
Because I wish the Doer's Case like mine,
In which nor Good nor Evil, as from Men,
Is minded much, but from an Hand Divine.
III
I aim sincerely to be just and true,
For my Good-will to all Mankind extends;
A Tenderness of Heart, I think, is due
Where stricter Ties unite me to my Friends.
IV
Whether in Conversation or alone,
Still to my Mind God's Presence I recall;
My Actions wait the Judgment of His Throne,
And 'tis to Him I consecrate them all.
V
These are my Thoughts, and briefly thus display'd;
I thank my Saviour for them ev'ry Day,
Who of a poor, weak, sinful Man has made
A Man exempt from Vice's evil Sway.
VI
Such is the Force of His Inspiring Grace,
For all my Good to That alone I owe;
Since, if my own corrupted Self I trace,
I'm Nothing else but Misery and Woe.
