And ripens spirits as he ripens mines,
Kept dross for duchesses--the world shall know it--
To you gave sense, good-humour, and a poet.



EPISTLE III.

TO ALLEN LORD BATHURST.

ARGUMENT.

OF THE USE OF RICHES.

That it is known to few, most falling into one of the extremes, Avarice or
Profusion, v.1, etc. The point discussed, whether the invention of money
has been more commodious or pernicious to Mankind, v.21 to 77. That
Riches, either to the Avaricious or the Prodigal, cannot afford Happiness,
scarcely Necessaries, v.89-160. That Avarice is an absolute Frenzy,
without an end or purpose, v.113, etc., 152. Conjectures about the motives
of Avaricious men, v.121 to 153. That the conduct of men, with respect to
Riches, can only be accounted for by the Order of Providence, which works
the general good out of extremes, and brings all to its great End by
perpetual Revolutions, v.161 to 178. How a Miser acts upon Principles
which appear to him reasonable, v.179. How a Prodigal does the same,
v.199. The due Medium and true use of Riches, v.219. The Man of Ross,
v.250. The fate of the Profuse and the Covetous, in two examples; both
miserable in Life and in Death, v.300, etc. The Story of Sir Balaam, v.339
to the end.