Know then thyself, presume not God to scan br The proper study of Mankind is Man. br Placed on this isthmus of a middle state, br A Being darkly wise, and rudely great: br With too much knowledge for the Sceptic side, br With too much weakness for the Stoic's pride, br He hangs between; in doubt to act, or rest; br In doubt to deem himself a God, or Beast; br In doubt his mind and body to prefer; br Born but to die, and reas'ning but to err; br Whether he thinks to little, or too much; br Chaos of Thought and Passion, all confus'd; br Still by himself, abus'd or disabus'd; br Created half to rise and half to fall; br Great Lord of all things, yet a prey to all, br Sole judge of truth, in endless error hurl'd; br The glory, jest and riddle of the world.