Two principles in human nature reign;

Self-love to urge, and reason, to restrain;
Nor this a good, nor that a bad we call, Each works its end, to move or govern all And to their proper operation still,
Ascribe all good; to their improper, ill.

What is the role of line 2 in the excerpt

Line 2 serves to introduce two principles of human nature: self-love and reason. It also suggests that both of these principles are necessary and have their own purpose.