IN HIS SICKNESS .

Machaon sick! in ev'ry face we find
His danger is the danger of mankind,
Whose art protecting, Nature could expire
But by a deluge or the general fire.
More lives he saves than perish in our wars,
And faster than a plague destroys repairs:
The bold carouser and advent'rous dame
Nor fear the fever nor refuse the flame:
Safe in his skill, from all restraint set free
But conscious shame, remorse, or piety.
Sire of all arts! defend thy darling son;
O! save the man whose life's so much our own;
On whom, like Atlas, the whole world's reclin'd,
And by restoring Garth preserve mankind.