Laugh where we must, be candid where we can, 15
But vindicate the ways of God to man.
Say first, of God above, or man below,
What can we reason but from what we know?
Of man what see we, but his station here,
From which to reason, or to which refer? 20
Thro' worlds unnumber'd, tho' the God be known,
'Tis ours to trace him only in our own.
He, who thro' vast immensity can pierce,
See worlds on worlds compose one universe,
Observe how system into system runs, 25
What other planets circle other suns,
What varied being peoples ev'ry star,
May tell why heaven has made us as we are:
But of this frame the bearings, and the ties,
The strong connections, nice dependencies, 30
Gradations just, has thy pervading soul
Look'd thro'? Or can a part contain the whole?
Is the great chain that draws all to agree,
And drawn supports, upheld by God, or thee?
Presumpt'ous man! the reason wouldst thou find, 35
Why form'd so weak, so little, and so blind!
First, if thou canst, the harder reason guess,
Why form'd no weaker, blinder, and no less!
Ask of thy mother earth, why oakes are made
Taller or stronger than the weeds they shade? 40
Or ask of yonder argent fields above,
Why Jove's satellites are less than Jove?
Or
