That fage they feem'd, as lawyers o'er a doubt, Which, puzzling long, at laft they puzzle out; Or academic tutors, teaching youths, Sure ne'er to want them, mathematic truths; When thus a mutton, ftatelier than the reft, A ram, the ewes and wethers, fad, address'd. Friends! we have liv'd too long. I never heard Sounds fuch as these, fo worthy to be fear'd. Could I believe, that winds for ages pent In earth's dark womb have found at laft a vent, And from their prifon-house below arife, With all these hideous howlings to the fkies, I could be much compos'd, nor fhould appear For fuch a caufe to feel the flightest fear. Yourfelves have feen, what time the thunders roll'd All night, me refting quiet in the fold. Or heard we that tremendous bray alone, I could expound the melancholy tone; Should deem it by our old companion made, The afs; for he, we know, has lately ftray'd, And being loft, perhaps, and wand'ring wide, Might be fuppos'd to clamour for a guide. But ah! thofe dreadful yells what foul can hear, That owns a carcase, and not quake for fear? Dæmons produce them doubtless, brazen-claw'd That, life to fave, we leap into the pit. Him anfwer'd then his loving mate and true, And rush thofe other founds; that feem-by tongues By panting dog, tir'd man, and fpatter'd horfe, So fweet to huntfman, gentleman, and hound. M OR A L. Beware of defp'rate fteps. The darkest day (Live till to-morrow) will have pafs'd away. THE DOG AND THE WATER-LILY ΝΟ FABLE. THE noon was fhady, and soft airs Swept Oufe's filent tide, When, fcap'd from literary cares, I wander'd on his fide. My spaniel, prettiest of his race, And high in pedigree, (Two nymphs*, adorn'd with ev'ry grace, That spaniel found for me) Now wanton'd loft in flags and reeds, Now ftarting into fight Pursued the swallow o'er the meads It was the time when Oufe difplay'd Their beauties I intent furvey'd, With cane extended far I fought But ftill the prize, tho' nearly caught, Beau mark'd my unsuccessful pains With fixt confid'rate face, And puzzling fat his puppy brains To comprehend the cafe. VOL. II. Sir Robert Gunning's daughters, But with a chirrup clear and ftrong, Difperfing all his dream, I thence withdrew, and follow'd long My ramble finish'd, I return'd. The floating wreath again difcern'd, I faw him with that lily cropp'd My quick approach, and foon he dropp'd The treasure at my feet. Charm'd with the fight, the world, I cried, My dog fhall mortify the pride But, chief, myself I will enjoin, To fhow a love as prompt as thine To Him who gives me all. |