The pilgrim's viaticum, or, The destitute but not forlorn being a divine poem / digested from meditations upon the Holy Scripture by Eliz. Tipper.

On REPƲTATION.

BRight Object, whom each Mortal courts to have, From the great Caesar, to the humble Slave; From Vertues Sons to Vices blacker Brood, From Hypocrites to those sincerely Good, Who pays not Vows to thy most glorious Shrine, Who does not Idolize that Name of thine; The Wise and Pious commonly declare, That much before their Life they thee prefer: The Prostigate, who takes a sensless Pride In being base, his Skill has often try'd, In thy blest Shade his Ulcerous Name to hide. Since thou art so ador'd, what can I do, But own I am thy great Admirer too?

Yet, fair One, give me leave before my Love With too much Passion sixes, first to prove, If thou hast Blessings true, as those above.

I fear thou art of a mutable Degree, Weak and defenceless, quickly apt to flee, Should I place all my Joys in thee alone, Keep all my Actions fair, that not in one A Blemish could be found; yet this would be A small Assurance of possessing thee, For Censure and Opinion have their swing, Ill Tongues and bad Belief out-reign a King: All as they speak or think, their Fame or Faith, Good or bad Names are still but Popular Breath: Excuse me therefore, since all this is true, If I refuse to set my Heart on you.