Wise Nature has this social law confirm'd,
By forming man so helpless, and unarm'd;
His want of others' aid, and pow'r of speech
T' implore that aid, this lesson daily teach.
Mankind with other animals compare,
Single how weak, and impotent they are!
But view them in their complicated state,
Their pow'rs how wond'rous, and their strength how great,
When social virtue individuals joins,
And in one solid mass, like gravity combines!
This then's the first great law by Nature giv'n,
Stamp'd on our souls, and ratify'd by Heav'n;
All from utility this law approve,
As ev'ry private bliss must spring from social love.