University of Virginia Library


157

XVI. To Archdeacon MOORE.

Is there, whom verbal knowledge may suffice
To read, but profit not by antient lore?
Studiously dull? A scholar, but unwise?
Whose judgment cannot separate the dross
From the pure ore? Of mind, and manners gross,
Illiberal, pert, o'erbearing, boastful, vain?
Such art not thou; far from thy presence, Moore,
Let pedantry retire, and fix her reign:
Her sons, and wisdom's offspring ill agree.
Thy bosom, Learning with politeness join'd
Illumes; the graces of humanity:
Converse with books, and converse with mankind;
No labouring theorist, in practice wrong,
Friend to the ingenuous arts, and chasten'd song.