Careless their merits or their faults to scan,

His pity gave ere charity began.

Thus to relieve the wretched was his pride,

And even his failings lean'd to Virtue's side.

Oliver Goldsmith (1728-1774): The Deserted Village. Line 161.

Know then thyself, presume not God to scan;

The proper study of mankind is man.

Alexander Pope (1688-1744): Essay on Man. Epistle ii. Line 1.

Then gently scan your brother man,

Still gentler sister woman;

Though they may gang a kennin' wrang,

To step aside is human.

Robert Burns (1759-1796): Address to the Unco Guid.