On the Origin of Evil: Part III

Yet, grant that error must result from choice,
Still man has ills besides the ills of vice —
Griefs unforeseen, disease’s pallid train,
And death, sad refuge from a world of pain!
Disastrous ills each element attend,
And certain woes with every blessing blend.
Lo! where the stream in quivering silver plays!
There slippery fate upon its verge betrays.
Yon sun, that feebly gilds the western sky.
In warmer climes bids arid nature die.
Disgusted virtue quits her injured reign, —
Vice comes apace, and folly leads her train.
But not alone, if blissful all thy lot.
Were vice pursued and gratitude forgot.
Defects still further in the scheme we view.
Since virtue, willing, scarce could men pursue.
Say, if each mortal were completely blest,
Where could the power of aiding woe exist?
If at the gate no suppliant sufferer stand
Could e’er compassion stretch her liberal hand?
Did never winter chill the freezing waste
Could kindness e’er invite the shuddering guest?
Which boots, if good the changeless lot of man,
The philanthropic wish, the patriot’s plan?
Or what could goodness do? Nought else, ’tis plain,
But rage to bridle, passion to restrain —
A virtue negative, scarce worth the name,
Far from the due reward that generous actions claim!
Still less the scope of fortitude we find.
Were pain dismissed and fortune ever kind.
The path of merit, then, let ills be viewed,
And own their power, if virtue be thy good.
Nor on that scheme let lawless wishes run.
Where vice had all her scope and virtue none;
But rest contented with thy Maker’s plan
Who ills ordained as means of good to man.
Nor, midst complaints of hardship, be forgot
The mingled pleasures of thy daily lot.
What though the transient gusts of sorrow come,
Though passion vex, or penury benumb?
Still bliss, sufficient to thy hope, is given
To warm thy heart with gratitude to Heaven;
Still mortal reason darts sufficient day
To guide thy steps through life’s perplexing way;
Still conscience tells — ’tis all we need to know-
Virtue to seek and vice to shun below.
Hear, then, the warnings of her solemn voice,
And seek the plaudit of a virtuous choice.