University of Virginia Library

In Dispraise of Vice.

With what reproachful Blushes do the Wise,
Those Follies, which the Age embrace, despise,
With Wonder and Contempt they Gaze to see
Vertue thus Sacrific'd to Leachery,
By the Sly Snares of Female Policy.
What strange Temptations draw the World aside,
To Embrace Vice, and Vertues Charms deride:
As Thieves and Ruffians, who abhor the Light,
Shun the Bright Day, and seek the Gloomy Night.
Tell me, mistaken Souls, what Baits allure
From Vertues Paths, so pleasing and so sure,
Where no deep Sloughs, or dangerous Bogs are found,
But sundry Prospects of Delight all round;
Who'd quit so happy, so secure a Road,
To Wade along in Filthiness and Mud.
Where Paths so rugged are, Friend Jossels Friend,
Each for Precedency in Vice contend,
But Sorrow is, (alas) their Journeys end.
So is the unweary Traveller betray'd,
When by an Ignis Fatuus misled
'Mong Brakes and Pools, from whence the treach'rous Guide
Flies undiscern'd, and doth his Tapor hide,
Leaving the Wand'ring Wretch quite void of Light,
Expos'd to all the Accidents of Night.
Thus fare the Unhappy Mortals, who receed
From Vertues Paths, the tracts of Vice to tread,
Where Fears and Cares each Wanton step succeed.
Look at the Monster Vice with steddy Eye,
Who thus devours the Worlds Tranquility,
You may discern the Beast in ev'ry part,
By Nature Black, tho' Whiten'd o're by Art;
As Strumpets, when Distemper'd and Unclean,
Paint Fair their outsides when most Foul within.
Vice, thou Black Parent of Revenge and Strife,
Thou Shame of Humane Race, and Sting of Life,
By thy Rank Bowels every ill is fed,
From thee all Rapes and Villanies proceed;
Ambition, Envy, Lust, Adultery,
Murder, Rebellion, every Infamy,
Have all their Birth and Nourishment from thee.
Shun the Dark Fiend, and its alluring Toys,
Reject its Trifles and Embrace true Joys;
Which if you'll find, choose Vertue for your Guide,
Woo the kind Dame, and keep her by your side,
Kiss her Soft Lips, and Wed her for your Bride.