4
The ART of
B. I.
"How best the fickle fabric to support
"Of mortal man; in healthful body how
45"A healthful mind the longest to maintain."
'Tis hard, in such a strife of rules, to chuse
The best, and those of most extensive use;
Harder in clear and animated song
Dry philosophic precepts to convey.
50Yet with thy aid the secret wilds I trace
Of nature, and with daring steps proceed
Thro' paths the muses never trod before.
Nor should I wander doubtful of my way.
Had I the lights of that sagacious mind
55Which taught to check the pestilential fire,
And quel the dreaded Python of the Nile.
O Thou belov'd by all the graceful arts,
Thou long the fav'rite of the healing powers,
Indulge, O Mead! a well-design'd essay,
How-
