Try what we can, do what we will,
Yet nature will be nature still.
The predominance of nature will generally shew itself through all
the disguises which artful men endeavour to throw over it. Cowardice
particularly gives us but the more suspicion of its existence, when it
would conceal itself under an affected fierceness, as they who would
smother an ill smell by a cloud of perfume, are imagined to be but the
more offensive. When we have done all, nature will remain what she was,
and shew herself whenever she is called upon: therefore, whatever we do
in contradiction to her laws, is so forced and affected, that it must
needs expose and make us truly ridiculous.
[Illustration]
[Illustration] [Page 143]