Friendship

Pope (1886)Friendship with men fulfilled of good Waxes like the crescent moon; Friendship with men of foolish mood, Like the full orb, waneth soon

MeaningThe friendship of the wise waxes like the new moon; (but) that of fools wanes like the full moon

Pope (1886)Learned scroll the more you ponder, Sweeter grows the mental food; So the heart by use grows fonder, Bound in friendship with the good

MeaningLike learning, the friendship of the noble, the more it is cultivated, the more delightful does it become

Pope (1886)Nor for laughter only friendship all the pleasant day, But for strokes of sharp reproving, when from right you stray

MeaningFriendship is to be practised not for the purpose of laughing but for that of being beforehand in giving one another sharp rebukes in case of transgression

Pope (1886)Not association constant, not affection's token bind;'Tis the unison of feeling friends unites of kindred mind

MeaningLiving together and holding frequent intercourse are not necessary (for friendship); (mutual) understanding can alone create a claim for it

Pope (1886)Not the face's smile of welcome shows the friend sincere, But the heart's rejoicing gladness when the friend is near

MeaningThe love that dwells (merely in the smiles of the face is not friendship; (but) that which dwells deep in the smiles of the heart is true friendship

Pope (1886)Friendship from ruin saves, in way of virtue keeps; In troublous time, it weeps with him who weeps

Meaning(True) friendship turns aside from evil (ways) makes (him) walk in the (good) way, and, in case of loss if shares his sorrow (with him)

Pope (1886)As hand of him whose vesture slips away, Friendship at once the coming grief will stay

Meaning(True) friendship hastens to the rescue of the afflicted (as readily) as the hand of one whose garment is loosened (before an assembly)

Pope (1886)And where is friendship's royal seat? In stable mind, Where friend in every time of need support may find

MeaningFriendship may be said to be on its throne when it possesses the power of supporting one at all times and under all circumstances, (in the practice or virtue and wealth)

Pope (1886)Mean is the friendship that men blazon forth,'He's thus to me' and 'such to him my worth'

MeaningThough friends may praise one another saying, "He is so intimate with us, and we so much (with him)"; (still) such friendship will appear mean

Pope (1886)Alliance with the man you have not proved and proved again, In length of days will give you mortal pain

MeaningThe friendship contracted by him who has not made repeated inquiry will in the end grieve (him) to death

Pope (1886)Temper, descent, defects, associations freeFrom blame: know these, then let the man be friend to thee

MeaningMake friendship (with one) after ascertaining (his) character, birth, defects and the whole of one's relations

Pope (1886)Who, born of noble race, from guilt would shrink with shame, Pay any price so you as friend that man may claim

MeaningThe friendship of one who belongs to a (good) family and is afraid of (being charged with) guilt, is worth even purchasing

Pope (1886)Make them your chosen friend whose words repentance move, With power prescription's path to show, while evil they reprove

MeaningYou should examine and secure the friendship of those who can speak so as to make you weep over a crime (before its commission) or rebuke you severely (after you have done it) and are able to teach

Pope (1886)Ruin itself one blessing lends:'Tis staff that measures out one's friends

MeaningEven in ruin there is some good; (for) it is a rod by which one may measure fully (the affection of one's) relations

Pope (1886)'Tis gain to any man, the sages say, Friendship of fools to put away

MeaningIt is indead a gain for one to renounce the friendship of fools

Pope (1886)Think not the thoughts that dwarf the soul; nor takeFor friends the men who friends in time of grief forsake

MeaningDo not think of things that discourage your mind, nor contract friendship with those who would forsake you in adversity

Pope (1886)Of friends deserting us on ruin's brink,'Tis torture e'en in life's last hour to think

MeaningThe very thought of the friendship of those who have deserted one at the approach of adversity will burn one's mind at the time of death

Pope (1886)Cling to the friendship of the spotless one's; whate'er you payRenounce alliance with the men of evil way

MeaningContinue to enjoy the friendship of the pure; (but) renounce even with a gift, the friendship of those who do not agree (with the world)

Pope (1886)Familiar freedom friendship's very frame supplies; To be its savour sweet is duty of the wise

MeaningThe constituents of friendship are (things done through) the right of intimacy; to be pleased with such a right is the duty of the wise

Pope (1886)When to familiar acts men kind response refuse, What fruit from ancient friendship's use

MeaningOf what avail is long-standing friendship, if friends do not admit as their own actions done through the right of intimacy ?

Pope (1886)When friends unbidden do familiar acts with loving heart, Friends take the kindly deed in friendly part

MeaningIf friends, through the right of friendship, do (anything) without being asked, the wise will be pleased with them on account of its desirability

Pope (1886)Not folly merely, but familiar carelessness, Esteem it, when your friends cause you distress

MeaningIf friends should perform what is painful, understand that it is owing not only to ignorance, but also to the strong claims of intimacy

Pope (1886)Who stand within the bounds quit not, though loss impends, Association with the old familiar friends

MeaningThose who stand within the limits (of true friendship) will not even in adversity give up the intimacy of long-standing friends

Pope (1886)True friends, well versed in loving ways, Cease not to love, when friend their love betrays

MeaningThose who have (long) stood in the path of affection will not give it up even if their friends cause (them) their ruin

Pope (1886)In strength of friendship rare of friend's disgrace who will not hear, The day his friend offends will day of grace to him appear

MeaningTo those who understand that by which they should not listen to (tales about) the faults of their friends, that is a (profitable) day on which the latter may commit a fault

Pope (1886)Friendship of old and faithful friends, Who ne'er forsake, the world commends

MeaningThey will be loved by the world, who have not forsaken the friendship of those with whom they have kept up an unbroken long-standing intimacy

Pope (1886)Ill-wishers even wish them well, who guardFor ancient friends, their wonted kind regard

MeaningEven enemies will love those who have never changed in their affection to their long-standingfriends

Pope (1886)What though you gain or lose friendship of men of alien heart, Who when you thrive are friends, and when you fail depart

MeaningOf what avail is it to get or lose the friendship of those who love when there is gain and leave when there is none ?

Pope (1886)These are alike: the friends who ponder friendship's gainThose who accept whate'er you give, and all the plundering train

MeaningFriendship who calculate the profits (of their friendship), prostitutes who are bent on obtaining their gains, and thieves are (all) of the same character

Pope (1886)A steed untrained will leave you in the tug of war; Than friends like that to dwell alone is better far

MeaningSolitude is more to be desired than the society of those who resemble the untrained horses which throw down (their riders) in the fields of battle

Pope (1886)'Tis better not to gain than gain the friendship profitlessOf men of little minds, who succour fails when dangers press

MeaningIt is far better to avoid that to contract the evil friendship of the base who cannot protect (their friends) even when appointed to do so

Pope (1886)Better ten million times incur the wise man's hate, Than form with foolish men a friendship intimate

MeaningThe hatred of the wise is ten-million times more profitable than the excessive intimacy of the fool

Pope (1886)From foes ten million fold a greater good you gain, Than friendship yields that's formed with laughers vain

MeaningWhat comes from enemies is a hundred million times more profitable than what comes from the friendship of those who cause only laughter

Pope (1886)Those men who make a grievous toil of what they doOn your behalf, their friendship silently eschew

MeaningGradually abandon without revealing (beforehand) the friendship of those who pretend inability to carry out what they (really) could do

Pope (1886)E'en in a dream the intercourse is bitternessWith men whose deeds are other than their words profess

MeaningThe friendship of those whose actions do not agree with their words will distress (one) even in (one's) dreams

Pope (1886)In anywise maintain not intercourse with those, Who in the house are friends, in hall are slandering foes

MeaningAvoid even the least approach to a contraction of friendship with those who would love you in private but ridicule you in public

Pope (1886)Friendship of those who seem our kin, but are not really kindWill change from hour to hour like woman's mind

MeaningThe friendship of those who seem to be friends while they are not, will change like the love of women

Pope (1886)To heartfelt goodness men ignoble hardly may attain, Although abundant stores of goodly lore they gain

MeaningThough (one's) enemies may have mastered many good books, it will be impossible for them to become truly loving at heart

Pope (1886)'Tis fitting you should dread dissemblers' guile, Whose hearts are bitter while their faces smile

MeaningOne should fear the deceitful who smile sweetly with their face but never love with their heart

Pope (1886)When minds are not in unison, 'its never; just, In any words men speak to put your trust

MeaningIn nothing whatever is it proper to rely on the words of those who do not love with their heart

Pope (1886)Though many goodly words they speak in friendly tone, The words of foes will speedily be known

MeaningThough (one's) foes may utter good things as though they were friends, once will at once understand (their evil, import)

Pope (1886)To pliant speech from hostile lips give thou no ear;'Tis pliant bow that show the deadly peril near

MeaningSince the bending of the bow bespeaks evil, one should not accept (as good) the humiliating speeches of one's foes

Pope (1886)In hands that worship weapon ten hidden lies; Such are the tears that fall from foeman's eyes

MeaningA weapon may be hid in the very hands with which (one's) foes adore (him) (and) the tears they shed are of the same nature

Pope (1886)'Tis just, when men make much of you, and then despise, To make them smile, and slap in friendship's guise

MeaningIt is the duty of kings to affect great love but make it die (inwardly); as regard those foes who shew them great friendship but despise them (in their heart)

Pope (1886)When time shall come that foes as friends appear, Then thou, to hide a hostile heart, a smiling face may'st wear

MeaningWhen one's foes begin to affect friendship, one should love them with one's looks, and, cherishing no love in the heart, give up (even the former)

Pope (1886)'Mid follies chiefest folly is to fix your loveOn deeds which to your station unbefitting prove

MeaningThe greatest folly is that which leads one to take delight in doing what is forbidden

Pope (1886)Ashamed of nothing, searching nothing out, of loveless heart, Nought cherishing, 'tis thus the fool will play his part

MeaningShamelessness indifference (to what must be sought after), harshness, and aversion for everything (that ought to be desired) are the qualities of the fool

Pope (1886)The sacred law he reads and learns, to other men expounds,-Himself obeys not; where can greater fool be found

MeaningThere are no greater fools than he who, though he has read and understood (a great deal) and even taught it to others, does not walk according to his own teaching

Pope (1886)The fool will merit hell in one brief life on earth, In which he entering sinks through sevenfold round of birth

MeaningA fool can procure in a single birth a hell into which he may enter and suffer through all the seven births

Pope (1886)When fool some task attempts with uninstructed pains, It fails; nor that alone, himself he binds with chains

MeaningIf the fool, who knows not how to act undertakes a work, he will (certainly) fail (But) is it all ? He will even adorn himself with fetters

Pope (1886)When fools are blessed with fortune's bounteous store, Their foes feed full, their friends are prey to hunger sore

MeaningIf a fool happens to get an immense fortune, his neighbours will enjoy it while his relations starve

Pope (1886)When folly's hand grasps wealth's increase, 'twill beAs when a mad man raves in drunken glee

MeaningA fool happening to possess something is like the intoxication of one who is (already) giddy

Pope (1886)Friendship of fools is very pleasant thing, Parting with them will leave behind no sting

MeaningThe friendship between fools is exceedingly delightful (to each other): for at parting there will be

Pope (1886)Like him who seeks his couch with unwashed feet, Is fool whose foot intrudes where wise men meet

MeaningThe appearance of a fool in an assembly of the learned is like placing (one's) unwashed feet on a bed

Pope (1886)The gift of foolish man, with willing heart bestowed, is nought, But blessing by receiver's penance bought

Meaning(The cause of) a fool cheerfully giving (something) is nothing else but the receiver's merit (in a former birth)

Pope (1886)With keener anguish foolish men their own hearts wring, Than aught that even malice of their foes can bring

MeaningThe suffering that fools inflict upon themselves is hardly possible even to foes

Pope (1886)What is stupidity? The arrogance that cries,'Behold, we claim the glory of the wise.'

MeaningWhat is called want of wisdom is the vanity which says, "We are wise"

Pope (1886)If men what they have never learned assume to know, Upon their real learning's power a doubt 'twill throw

MeaningFools pretending to know what has not been read (by them) will rouse suspicion even as to what they have thoroughly mastered

Pope (1886)Fools are they who their nakedness conceal, And yet their faults unveiled reveal

MeaningEven to cover one's nakedness would be folly, if (one's) faults were not covered (by forsaking them)

Pope (1886)From out his soul who lets the mystic teachings die, Entails upon himself abiding misery

MeaningThe fool who neglects precious counsel does, of his own accord, a great injury to himself

Pope (1886)Advised, he heeds not; of himself knows nothing wise; This man's whole life is all one plague until he dies

MeaningThe fool will not perform (his duties) even when advised nor ascertain them himself; such a soul is a

Pope (1886)That man is blind to eyes that will not see who knowledge shows;-The blind man still in his blind fashion knows

MeaningOne who would teach a fool will (simply) betray his folly; and the fool would (still) think himself "wise in his own conceit"

Pope (1886)Who what the world affirms as false proclaim, O'er all the earth receive a demon's name

MeaningHe who denies the existence of what the world believes in will be regarded as a demon on earth

Pope (1886)Though men disunion plan, and do thee much despite'Tis best no enmity to plan, nor evil deeds requite

MeaningThough disagreeable things may be done from (a feeling of) disunion, it is far better that nothing painful be done from (that of) hatred

Pope (1886)If enmity, that grievous plague, you shun, Endless undying praises shall be won

MeaningTo rid one-self of the distressing dtsease of hatred will bestow (on one) a never-decreasing imperishable fame

Pope (1886)Joy of joys abundant grows, When malice dies that woe of woes

MeaningIf hatred which is the greatest misery is destroyed, it will yield the greatest delight

Pope (1886)If men from enmity can keep their spirits free, Who over them shall gain the victory

MeaningWho indeed would think of conquering those who naturally shrink back from hatred ?

Pope (1886)The life of those who cherished enmity hold dear, To grievous fault and utter death is near

MeaningFailure and ruin are not far from him who says it is sweet to excel in hatred

Pope (1886)The very truth that greatness gives their eyes can never see, Who only know to work men woe, fulfilled of enmity

MeaningWho only know to work men woe, fulfilled of enmity

Pope (1886)'Tis gain to turn the soul from enmity; Ruin reigns where this hath mastery

MeaningShrinking back from hatred will yield wealth; indulging in its increase will hasten ruin

Pope (1886)Men think not hostile thought in fortune's favouring hour, They cherish enmity when in misfortune's power

MeaningAt the approach of wealth one will not think of hatred (but) to secure one's ruin, one will look to its increase

Pope (1886)From enmity do all afflictive evils flow; But friendliness doth wealth of kindly good bestow

MeaningAll calamities are caused by hatred; but by the delight (of friendship) is caused the great wealth of good virtues

Pope (1886)No kinsman's love, no strength of friends has he; How can he bear his foeman's enmity

MeaningHow can he who is unloving, destitute of powerful aids, and himself without strength overcome the might of his foe ?

Pope (1886)A craven thing! knows nought, accords with none, gives nought away; To wrath of any foe he falls an easy prey

MeaningIn the estimation of foes miserably weak is he, who is timid, ignorant, unsociable and niggardly

Pope (1886)His wrath still blazes, every secret told; each dayThis man's in every place to every foe an easy prey

MeaningHe who neither refrains from anger nor keeps his secrets will at all times and in all places be easily conquered by all

Pope (1886)No way of right he scans, no precepts bind, no crimes affright, No grace of good he owns; such man's his foes' delight

Meaning(A) pleasing (object) to his foes is he who reads not moral works, does nothing that is enjoined by them cares not for reproach and is not possessed of good qualities

Pope (1886)Blind in his rage, his lustful passions rage and swell; If such a man mislikes you, like it well

MeaningHighly to be desired is the hatred of him whose anger is blind, and whose lust increases beyond measure

Pope (1886)Unseemly are his deeds, yet proffering aid, the man draws nigh:His hate- 'tis cheap at any price- be sure to buy

MeaningIt is indeed necessary to obtain even by purchase the hatred of him who having begun (a work) does what is not conductive (to its accomplishment)

Pope (1886)No gracious gifts he owns, faults many cloud his fame; His foes rejoice, for none with kindred claim

MeaningHe will become friendless who is without (any good) qualities and whose faults are many; (such a character) is a help to (his) foes

Pope (1886)The joy of victory is never far removed from thoseWho've luck to meet with ignorant and timid foes

MeaningThere will be no end of lofty delights to the victorious, if their foes are (both) ignorant and timid

Pope (1886)The task of angry war with men unlearned in virtue's loreWho will not meet, glory shall meet him never more

MeaningThe light (of fame) will never be gained by him who gains not the trifling reputation of having fought an unlearned (foe)

Pope (1886)Although you hate incur of those whose ploughs are bows, Make not the men whose ploughs are words your foes

MeaningThough you may incur the hatred of warriors whose ploughs are bows, incur not that of ministers whose ploughs are words

Pope (1886)Than men of mind diseased, a wretch more utterly forlorn, Is he who stands alone, object of many foeman's scorn

MeaningHe who being alone, incurs the hatred of many is more infatuated than even mad men

Pope (1886)The world secure on his dexterity depends, Whose worthy rule can change his foes to friends

MeaningWhose worthy rule can change his foes to friends

Pope (1886)Without ally, who fights with twofold enemy o'ermatched, Must render one of these a friend attached

MeaningHe who is alone and helpless while his foes are two should secure one of them as an agreeable help (to himself)

Pope (1886)Whether you trust or not, in time of sore distress, Questions of diff'rence or agreement cease to press

MeaningThough (one's foe is) aware or not of one's misfortune one should act so as neither to join nor separate (from him)

Pope (1886)To those who know them not, complain not of your woes; Nor to your foeman's eyes infirmities disclose

MeaningRelate not your suffering even to friends who are ignorant of it, nor refer to your weakness in the presence of your foes

Pope (1886)Know thou the way, then do thy part, thyself defend; Thus shall the pride of those that hate thee have an end

MeaningThe joy of one's foes will be destroyed if one guards oneself by knowing the way (of acting) and securing assistance

Pope (1886)Destroy the thorn, while tender point can work thee no offence; Matured by time, 'twill pierce the hand that plucks it thence

MeaningA thorny tree should be felled while young, (for) when it is grown it will destroy the hand of the feller

Pope (1886)But breathe upon them, and they surely die, Who fail to tame the pride of angry enemy

MeaningThose who do not destroy the pride of those who hate (them) will certainly not exist even to breathe

Pope (1886)Dread not the foes that as drawn swords appear; Friendship of foes, who seem like kinsmen, fear

MeaningFear not foes (who say they would cut) like a sword; (but) fear the friendship of foes (who seemingly

Pope (1886)Of hidden hate beware, and guard thy life; In troublous time 'twill deeper wound than potter's knife

MeaningFear internal enmity and guard yourself; (if not) it will destroy (you) in an evil hour, as surely as the tool which cuts the potter's clay

Pope (1886)If secret enmities arise that minds pervert, Then even kin unkind will work thee grievous hurt

MeaningThe secret enmity of a person whose mind in unreformed will lead to many evils causing disaffection among (one's) relations

Pope (1886)Amid one's relatives if hidden hath arise,'Twill hurt inflict in deadly wise

MeaningIf there appears internal hatred in a (king's) family; it will lead to many a fatal crime

Pope (1886)If discord finds a place midst those who dwelt at one before,'Tis ever hard to keep destruction from the door

MeaningIf hatred arises among (one's) own people, it will be hardly possible (for one) to escape death

Pope (1886)As casket with its cover, though in one they live alway, No union to the house where hate concealed hath sway

MeaningNever indeed will a family subject to internal hatred unite (really) though it may present an apparent union like that of a casket and its lid

Pope (1886)As gold with which the file contends is worn away, So strength of house declines where hate concealed hath sway

MeaningA family subject to internal hatred will wear out and lose its strength like iron that has been filed away

Pope (1886)Though slight as shred of 'seasame' seed it be, Destruction lurks in hidden enmity

MeaningAlthough internal hatred be as small as the fragment of the sesamum (seed), still does destruction dwell in it

Pope (1886)Domestic life with those who don't agree, Is dwelling in a shed with snake for company

MeaningLiving with those who do not agree (with one) is like dwelling with a cobra (in the same) hut

Pope (1886)If men will lead their lives reckless of great men's will, Such life, through great men's powers, will bring perpetual ill

MeaningTo behave without respect for the great (rulers) will make them do (us) irremediable evils

Pope (1886)Who ruin covet let them shut their ears, and do despiteTo those who, where they list to ruin have the might

MeaningIf a person desires ruin, let him not listen to the righteous dictates of law, but commit crimes against those who are able to slay (other sovereigns)

Pope (1886)When powerless man 'gainst men of power will evil deeds essay, Tis beck'ning with the hand for Death to seize them for its prey

MeaningThe weak doing evil to the strong is like beckoning Yama to come (and destroy them)

Pope (1886)Who dare the fiery wrath of monarchs dread, Where'er they flee, are numbered with the dead

MeaningThose who have incurred the wrath of a cruel and mighty potentate will not prosper wherever they may go

Pope (1886)Though in the conflagration caught, he may escape from thence:He 'scapes not who in life to great ones gives offence

MeaningThough burnt by a fire (from a forest), one may perhaps live; (but) never will he live who has shown disrespect to the great (devotees)

Pope (1886)Though every royal gift, and stores of wealth your life should crown, What are they, if the worthy men of mighty virtue frown

MeaningIf a king incurs the wrath of the righteous great, what will become of his government with its splendid auxiliaries and (all) its untold wealth ?

Pope (1886)If they, whose virtues like a mountain rise, are light esteemed; They die from earth who, with their households, ever-during seemed

MeaningIf (the) hill-like (devotees) resolve on destruction, those who seemed to be everlasting will be destroyed root and branch from the earth

Pope (1886)When blazes forth the wrath of men of lofty fame, Kings even fall from high estate and perish in the flame

MeaningKings even fall from high estate and perish in the flame

Pope (1886)Though all-surpassing wealth of aid the boast, If men in glorious virtue great are wrath, they're lost

MeaningThough in possession of numerous auxiliaries, they will perish who are-exposed to the wrath of the noble whose penance is boundless

Pope (1886)Who gives himself to love of wife, careless of noble nameHis wealth will clothe him with o'erwhelming shame

MeaningThe wealth of him who, regardless (of his manliness), devotes himself to his wife's feminine nature will cause great shame (to ali men) and to himself;

Pope (1886)Who to his wife submits, his strange, unmanly moodWill daily bring him shame among the good

MeaningThe frailty that stoops to a wife will always make (her husband) feel ashamed among the good

Pope (1886)No glory crowns e'en manly actions wroughtBy him who dreads his wife, nor gives the other world a thought

MeaningThe undertaking of one, who fears his wife and is therefore destitute of (bliss), will never be applauded

Pope (1886)Who quakes before his wife will ever tremble too, Good deeds to men of good deserts to do

MeaningHe that fears his wife will always be afraid of doing good deeds (even) to the good

Pope (1886)Though, like the demi-gods, in bliss they dwell secure from harm, Those have no dignity who fear the housewife's slender arm

MeaningThey that fear the bamboo-like shoulders of their wives will be destitute of manliness though they may flourish like the Gods

Pope (1886)The dignity of modest womanhood excelsHis manliness, obedient to a woman's law who dwells

MeaningEven shame faced womanhood is more to be esteemed than the shameless manhood that performs

Pope (1886)Who to the will of her with beauteous brow their lives conform, Aid not their friends in need, nor acts of charity perform

MeaningThose who yield to the wishes of their wives will neither relieve the wants of (their) friends nor perform virtuous deeds

Pope (1886)No virtuous deed, no seemly wealth, no pleasure, restsWith them who live obedient to their wives' behests

MeaningFrom those who obey the commands of their wives are to be expected neither deeds of virtue, nor those of wealth nor (even) those of pleasure

Pope (1886)Where pleasures of the mind, that dwell in realms of thought, abound, Folly, that springs from overweening woman's love, is never found

MeaningThe foolishness that results from devotion to a wife will never be found in those who possess a reflecting mind and a prosperity (flowing) therefrom

Pope (1886)Who weigh the gain, and utter virtuous words with vicious heart, Weighing such women's worth, from their society depart

MeaningOne must ascertain the character of the ill-natured women who after ascertaining the wealth (of a man) speak (as if they were) good natured-ones, and avoid intercourse (with them)

Pope (1886)As one in darkened room, some stranger corpse inarms, Is he who seeks delight in mercenary women's charms

MeaningThe false embraces of wealth-loving women are like (hired men) embracing a strange corpse in a dark room

Pope (1886)Their worthless charms, whose only weal is wealth of gain, From touch of these the wise, who seek the wealth of grace, abstain

MeaningThe wise who seek the wealth of grace will not desire the base favours of those who regard wealth (and not pleasure) as (their) riches

Pope (1886)From contact with their worthless charms, whose charms to all are free, The men with sense of good and lofty wisdom blest will flee;

MeaningThose whose knowledge is made excellent by their (natural) sense will not covet the trffling delights

Pope (1886)From touch of those who worthless charms, with wanton arts, display, The men who would their own true good maintain will turn away

MeaningThose who would spread (the fame of) their own goodness will not desire the shoulders of those, who rejoice in their accomplishments and bestow their despicable favours (on all who pay)

Pope (1886)Who cherish alien thoughts while folding in their feigned embrace, These none approach save those devoid of virtue's grace

MeaningThose who are destitute of a perfectly (reformed) mind will covet the shoulders of those who embrace (them) while their hearts covet other things

Pope (1886)As demoness who lures to ruin woman's treacherous loveTo men devoid of wisdom's searching power will prove

MeaningThe wise say that to such as are destitute of discerning sense the embraces of faithless women are (as ruinous as those of) the celestail female

Pope (1886)The wanton's tender arm, with gleaming jewels decked, Is hell, where sink degraded souls of men abject

MeaningThe delicate shoulders of prostitutes with excellent jewels are a hell into which are plunged the ignorant base

Pope (1886)Women of double minds, strong drink, and dice; to these giv'n o'er, Are those on whom the light of Fortune shines no more

MeaningTreacherous women, liquor, and gambling are the associates of such as have forsaken by Fortune

Pope (1886)Drink not inebriating draught Let him count well the costWho drinks, by drinking, all good men's esteem is lost

MeaningLet no liquor be drunk; if it is desired, let it be drunk by those who care not for esteem of the great

Pope (1886)The drunkard's joy is sorrow to his mother's eyes; What must it be in presence of the truly wise

MeaningIntoxication is painful even in the presence of (one's) mother; what will it not then be in that of the wise ?

Pope (1886)Shame, goodly maid, will turn her back for aye on themWho sin the drunkard's grievous sin, that all condemn

MeaningThe fair maid of modesty will turn her back on those who are guilty of the great and abominable crime of drunkenness

Pope (1886)With gift of goods who self-oblivion buys, Is ignorant of all that man should prize

MeaningTo give money and purchase unconsciousness is the result of one's ignorance of (one's own actions)

Pope (1886)Sleepers are as the dead, no otherwise they seem; Who drink intoxicating draughts, they poison quaff, we deem

MeaningThey that sleep resemble the deed; (likewise) they that drink are no other than poison-eaters

Pope (1886)Who turn aside to drink, and droop their heavy eye, Shall be their townsmen's jest, when they the fault espy

MeaningThose who always intoxicate themselves by a private (indulgence in) drink; will have their secrets detected and laughed at by their fellow-townsmen

Pope (1886)No more in secret drink, and then deny thy hidden fraud; What in thy mind lies hid shall soon be known abroad

MeaningLet (the drunkard) give up saying "I have never drunk"; (for) the moment (he drinks) he will simply betray his former attempt to conceal

Pope (1886)Like him who, lamp in hand, would seek one sunk beneath the waveIs he who strives to sober drunken man with reasonings grave

MeaningReasoning with a drunkard is like going under water with a torch in search of a drowned man

Pope (1886)When one, in sober interval, a drunken man espies, Does he not think, 'Such is my folly in my revelries'

MeaningWhen (a drunkard) who is sober sees one who is not, it looks as if he remembered not the evil effects of his (own) drink

Pope (1886)Is there for gamblers, too, that gaining one a hundred lose, some wayThat they may good obtain, and see a prosperous day

MeaningThat they may good obtain, and see a prosperous day? Is there indeed a means of livelihood that can bestow happiness on gamblers who gain one and lose a hundred?

Pope (1886)If prince unceasing speak of nought but play, Treasure and revenue will pass from him away

MeaningIf the king is incessantly addicted to the rolling dice in the hope of gain, his wealth and the resources thereof will take their departure and fall into other's hands

Pope (1886)Gaming brings many woes, and ruins fair renown; Nothing to want brings men so surely down

MeaningThere is nothing else that brings (us) poverty like gambling which causes many a misery and destroys (one's) reputation

Pope (1886)The dice, and gaming-hall, and gamester's art, they eager sought, Thirsting for gain- the men in other days who came to nought

MeaningPenniless are those who by reason of their attachment would never forsake gambling, the gamblingplace and the handling (of dice)

Pope (1886)Gambling's Misfortune's other name: o'er whom she casts her veil, They suffer grievous want, and sorrows sore bewail

MeaningThose who are swallowed by the goddess called "gambling" will never have their hunger satisfied, but suffer the pangs of hell in the next world

Pope (1886)Ancestral wealth and noble fame to ruin haste, If men in gambler's halls their precious moments waste

MeaningTo waste time at the place of gambling will destroy inherited wealth and goodness of character

Pope (1886)Gambling wastes wealth, to falsehood bends the soul: it drives awayAll grace, and leaves the man to utter misery a prey

MeaningGambling destroys property, teaches falsehood, puts an end to benevolence, and brings in misery (here and hereafter)

Pope (1886)Clothes, wealth, food, praise, and learning, all departFrom him on gambler's gain who sets his heart

MeaningThe habit of gambling prevents the attainment of these five: clothing, wealth, food, fame and learning

Pope (1886)Howe'er he lose, the gambler's heart is ever in the play; E'en so the soul, despite its griefs, would live on earth alway

MeaningAs the gambler loves (his vice) the more he loses by it, so does the soul love (the body) the more it suffers through it

Pope (1886)No need of medicine to heal your body's pain, If, what you ate before digested well, you eat again

MeaningNo medicine is necessary for him who eats after assuring (himself) that what he has (already) eaten has been digested

Pope (1886)Who has a body gained may long the gift retain, If, food digested well, in measure due he eat again

MeaningIf (one's food has been) digested let one eat with moderation; (for) that is the way to prolong the life of an embodied soul

Pope (1886)Knowing the food digested well, when hunger prompteth thee, With constant care, the viands choose that well agree

Meaning(First) assure yourself that your food has been digested and never fail to eat, when very hungry, whatever is not disagreeable (to you)

Pope (1886)With self-denial take the well-selected meal; So shall thy frame no sudden sickness feel

MeaningThere will be no disaster to one's life if one eats with moderation, food that is not disagreeable

Pope (1886)On modest temperance as pleasures pure, So pain attends the greedy epicure

MeaningAs pleasure dwells with him who eats moderately, so disease (dwells) with the glutton who eats voraciously

Pope (1886)Who largely feeds, nor measure of the fire within maintains, That thoughtless man shall feel unmeasured pains

MeaningHe will be afflicted with numberless diseases, who eats immoderately, ignorant (of the rules of health)

Pope (1886)Disease, its cause, what may abate the ill:Let leech examine these, then use his skill

MeaningLet the physician enquire into the (nature of the) disease, its cause and its method of cure and treat it faithfully according to (medical rule)

Pope (1886)The habitudes of patient and disease, the crises of the illThese must the learned leech think over well, then use his skill

MeaningThe learned (physician) should ascertain the condition of his patient; the nature of his disease, and the season (of the year) and (then) proceed (with his treatment)

Pope (1886)For patient, leech, and remedies, and him who waits by patient's side, The art of medicine must fourfold code of laws provide

MeaningMedical science consists of four parts, viz, patient, physician, medicine and compounder; and each of these (again) contains four sub-divisions