ODE XLI

1

I doe not glorie in my Fate;
Nor prise it at an under rate;
I doe not boast
Any thing I possesse; I am not tyed
Against my Judgement, unto any Syde;
Nor am I lost,
Soe much to reason, that I chuse
Supported Error, and refuse
Neglected Truth;
Contented, to abide
Her votarie, against the vulgar mouth.

2

Let the full Pens of vanitie, Contend
In what they please;
And gaine the Ende
Of their owne seeking, humane Praise;
Lost, with the Breath wherein it straies.
I cannot fall
To flatter Pride, and Follie in her Ease;
But speake my knowledge, though it should displease
The common-Hall
Of Ignorance; and if I meet
Death, I have found my winding Sheet.

3

I am a man in everie Step
Of Life I tread; and cannot leape
Above that name;
Nor can I grovell, in a bruitish way
Lost to my nature. This is all. I say
I am that Same
Unsteddye thing, wee call a man;
Limited in my Selfe; and can
Neither deface,
Nor yet array,
That Image. Tis my Glorie, my Disgrace.