Praise from a friend, or censure from a foe, Are lost on hearers that our merits know.

Praise me not too much, Nor blame me, for thou speakest to the Greeks Who know me.

Urge him with truth to frame his fair replies; And sure he will; for wisdom never lies.

Fly, dotard, fly! With thy wise dreams and fables of the sky.

Having well polished the whole bow, he added a golden tip.

Yet, taught by time, my heart has learned to glow For other's good, and melt at other's woe.