The New Hampshire Gazette

"THE PROPER STUDY OF MANKIND IS MAN."

POEM.

Man is a being of so complicated a nature, that to display his different virtues and vices, constitutions and faculties, would well fill an endless volume. In general he is prone by nature to deceit, and dissimulation is almost the first passion he imbibes. He is early taught to disguise his vices and inclinations under the appearance of moderation. When arrived to a ripe age, when his powers are more extensive and unrestrained, it is then he begins more fully to practice that art, which he has been so long learning. But I would not have it imagined that this is the characteristic of all mankind. Many there are whose minds formed in a finer mould, are the seats of every noble, every generous virtue. Happy in themselves and conscious of their innocence, their hours are spent in sweet serenity and peace. But how seldom it is that we meet with such characters! Mankind are generally blinded by self-interest and ambition. How many are there who, versed in the arts of dissembling, their souls are narrow and unsociable! Conscious of their own meanness and dishonesty, they are naturally suspicious; their company is none but such as are of their own dispositions. They behold their dearest friends with envy and distrust; jealousy is rooted in their hearts, and seated in their countenances. "They are hoarding up misery for themselves, and their punishment shall be of their own begetting."