Alexander Pope Poems on Thought & Thinking (25 Poems)

An Essay on Man: Epistle II (Alexander Pope Poems)

I.Know then thyself, presume not God to scan;The proper study of mankind is man.Plac’d on this isthmus of a middle state,A being darkly wise, and rudely great:With too much knowledge for the sceptic side,With too much weakness for the stoic’s … Continue reading →

The Temple of Fame (Alexander Pope Poems)

In that soft season, when descending show’rsCall forth the greens, and wake the rising flow’rs;When op’ning buds salute the welcome day,And earth relenting feels the genial day,As balmy sleep had charm’d my cares to rest,And love itself was banish’d from … Continue reading →

The Dunciad: Book II. (Alexander Pope Poems)

High on a gorgeous seat, that far out-shoneHenley’s gilt tub, or Flecknoe’s Irish throne,Or that where on her Curlls the public pours,All-bounteous, fragrant grains and golden showers,Great Cibber sate: the proud Parnassian sneer,The conscious simper, and the jealous leer,Mix on … Continue reading →

The Dunciad: Book III. (Alexander Pope Poems)

But in her Temple’s last recess inclos’d, On Dulness’ lap th’ Anointed head repos’d. Him close she curtains round with Vapours blue, And soft besprinkles with Cimmerian dew.Then raptures high the seat of Sense o’erflow, Which only heads refin’d from … Continue reading →

The Dunciad: Book I. (Alexander Pope Poems)

The Mighty Mother, and her son who brings The Smithfield muses to the ear of kings, I sing. Say you, her instruments the great! Called to this work by Dulness, Jove, and Fate; You by whose care, in vain decried … Continue reading →

The Basset-Table (Alexander Pope Poems)

Cardelia. Smilinda. Cardelia. The Basset-Table spread, the Tallier come;Why stays Smilinda in the Dressing-Room?Rise, pensive Nymph, the Tallier waits for you: Smilinda. Ah, Madam, since my Sharper is untrue,I joyless make my once ador’d Alpeu.I saw him stand behind Ombrelia’s … Continue reading →

Sandys Ghost ; A Proper Ballad on the New Ovid’s Metamorphosi (Alexander Pope Poems)

Ye Lords and Commons, Men of Wit, And Pleasure about Town; Read this ere you translate one BitOf Books of high Renown. Beware of Latin Authors all!Nor think your Verses Sterling,Though with a Golden Pen you scrawl,And scribble in a … Continue reading →

In Imitation of E. of Rochester : On Silence (Alexander Pope Poems)

I. Silence! coeval with Eternity;Thou wert, ere Nature’s-self began to be,‘Twas one vast Nothing, all, and all slept fast in thee. II. Thine was the sway, ere heav’n was form’d, or earth,Ere fruitful Thought conceiv’d creation’s birth,Or midwife Word gave … Continue reading →

Macer : A Character (Alexander Pope Poems)

When simple Macer, now of high renown,First fought a Poet’s Fortune in the Town,‘Twas all th’ Ambition his high soul could feel,To wear red stockings, and to dine with Steele.Some Ends of verse his Betters might afford, And gave the … Continue reading →

To Mrs. M. B. On Her Birthday (Alexander Pope Poems)

Oh be thou blest with all that Heav’n can send,Long Health, long Youth, long Pleasure, and a Friend:Not with those Toys the female world admire,Riches that vex, and Vanities that tire.With added years if Life bring nothing new,But, like a … Continue reading →