As Fruits ungrateful to the Planter's care
On savage stocks inserted, learn to bear,
The surest Virtues thus from Passions shoot,
Wild Nature's Vigour working at the root.
What Crops of Wit and Honesty appear,
From Spleen, from Obstinacy, Hate or Fear!
See Anger, Zeal and Fortitude supply;
Ev'n Av'rice Prudence; Sloth Philosophy;
Envy, to which th' ignoble mind's a slave,
Is Emulation in the Learn'd and Brave:
Lust, thro' some certain Strainers well refin'd,
Is gentle Love, and charms all Womankind.
Nor Virtue, male or female, can we name,
But what will grow on Pride, or grow on Shame.