Epistle to James Craggs, Esq.

Secretary of StateCraggs was made Secretary of War in 1717, when Addison was Secretary of State. He succeeded Addison in 1720, and died in the following year. He was an intimate friend and correspondent of Pope’s after 1711.

A SOUL as full of Worth as void of Pride,

Which nothing seeks to show, or needs to hide,

Which nor to guilt nor fear its Caution owes,

And boasts a Warmth that from no passion flows;

A face untaught to feign; a judging eye,

That darts severe upon a rising lie,

And strikes a blush thro’ frontless Flattery—

All this thou wert; and being this before,

Know, Kings and Fortune cannot make thee more.

Then scorn to gain a friend by servile ways,

Nor wish to lose a foe these virtues raise;

But candid, free, sincere, as you began,

Proceed, a Minister, but still a Man.

Be not (exalted to whate’er degree)

Ashamed of any friend, not ev’n of me:

The patriot’s plain but untrod path pursue;

If not, ’t is I must be ashamed of you.

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