Could but our tempers move like this machine

First Line Could but our tempers move like this machine
Date 1740
Description

Ode [Passions, Sentiments; Conduct, morality].

Transcribed from Hall, T., "On a Watch." The London Magazine and monthly chronologer, vol. 9, March 1740, p. 146. British Periodicals, [ProQuest Document ID:] 5318929.

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Transcription

Could but our tempers move like this machine,

Not urg'd by passion, nor delay'd by spleen;

But true to nature's regulating pow'r,

By virtuous acts distinguish'd ev'ry hour;

Then health and joy would follow, as they ought,

The laws of motion and the laws of thought:

Sweet health, to pass the present moments o'er,

And everlasting joy, when time shall be no more.