PLEASURE

The reasons (equal Judges) here alleged By the dismissed Pretenders, all concur To strengthen my just title to the Sphere. Honour, or Wealth, or the contempt of both, Have in themselves no simple real good, But as they are the means to purchase Pleasure; The paths that led to my delicious Palace; They for my sake, I for mine own am prized. Beyond me nothing is, I am the Goal, The journeys end, to which the sweating world, And wearied Nature travels. For this, the best And wisest sect of all Philosophers, Made me the seat of supreme happiness. And though some, more anstere, upon my ruins, Did to the prejudice of Nature, raise Some petty low-built virtues, 'twas because They wanted wings to reach my soaring pitch. Had they been Prinees born, themselves had proved Of all mankind the most luxurious. For those delights, which to their low condition Were obvious, they with greedy appetite Sucked and devoured: from offices of State, From cares of family, children, wife, Hope's, fears, Retired, the churlish Cynic in his Tub Enjoyed those pleasures which his tongue defamed. Nor am I ranked amongst the superfluous goods; My necessary offices preserve Each single man, and propagate the kind. Then am I universal as the light, Or common Air we breathe; and since I am The general desire of all mankind, Civil Felicity must reside in me. Tell me what rate my choicest pleasures bear, When for the short delight of a poor draught Of cheap cold water, great Lysimachus Rendered himself slave to the Scythians. Should I the curious structure of my seats, The art and beauty of my several objects, Rehearse at large, your bounties would reserve For every sense a proper constellation; But I present their Persons to your eyes. Come forth my subtle Organs of delight, With changing figures please the curious eye, And charm the ear with moving Harmony.