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The Modern World disrob'd

or, both sexes Stript of their pretended vertue. In Two Parts. First, Of the Ladies. Secondly, Of the Gentlemen. With Familiar Descant upon every Character [by Edward Ward]
Ward, Edward (1667-1731)
  
[epigraph]

expand sectionI. 
[PART I.]
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PART II.
  
The Modish Gentleman:
  
The Corrupt Statesman:
  
The Trimming Guide:
  
The Beau-Officer:
  
The Ambitious Mercenary:
  
The Prodigal Upstart:
  
The Severe Magistrate:
  
Riches acquir'd before Discretion:
  
The States-man's Minion:
  
The Promissory Gentleman:
  
The Temporizing Zealot:
  
The Dignify'd Adulterer:
  
Sir Narcissus Foplin:
  
The Worthy Patriot:

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162

The Severe Magistrate:

OR, The Proud Man in Authority.

167

Should the great Ruler of the Whole,
Look down on human Nature,
With the same Scorn the haughty Soul
Beholds his Fellow-Creature,
The Proud would dread those Ills they do
To their inferior Brothers,
Should Heav'n no other Mercy shew
To them, than they to others.
With what strange Insolence can Man
Expect to be forgiven,
Who proves as cruel as he can
To all the Sons of Heav'n?
Envy, Severity, and Pride,
Are Qualities so evil
In Magistrates, that they're ally'd
To Witchcraft and the Devil.
168

Mildness and Mercy, ought to be
The gentle Gifts and Graces
Of Persons in Authority,
Who sit in lofty Places.
'Tis true, the awful Brow, we find,
Becomes a pow'rful Station;
But let the Heart be still inclin'd
To Mercy and Compassion.
The Sword of Justice cuts too keen,
If us'd with Heat and Passion;
It therefore should be lay'd on Men
With Christian Moderation.
The Wise, the Merciful, and Just,
Who've Consciences to bind 'em,
Are only fit for publick Trust:
But who knows where to find 'em?
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