Frank, young in years, but no unworthy heir Of that Ionian leech Hippocrates, Whether in skill to subjugate disease, Or in the courtesies that oft repair Error in art committed unaware; Whatever chance it be on which thou seize, Think not too close, though merited, on fees, Nor let the gilded goal be thy first care. What though the toil be hard, do not repine; The first physician was a humble slave, And e'en Asclepius, though supposed divine, To mortal monarch forcèd service gave. Thee from the sordid throng this thought shall save: The master whom Luke served is also thine. |