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FABLES BY JOHN GAY,

IN TWO PARTS;

TO WHICH ARE ADDED

FABLES

BY EDWARD MOORE.

STEREOTYPE EDITION,

According to the process of I'irmin Didot.

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PARIS,

AT THE PRIKTING OFFICE AND STEREOTYPE FOUIfDKRT

OF P. DIDOT THE ELDER , AND OF F. DIDOT.

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INTRODUCTIOlNr

TO THE

FABLES.

PART THE FIRST.

THE SHEPHERD AND THE PHILOSOPHER.

JAemote from cities liv'd a swain, Unvex'd with all the cares of gain ; His head was silver'd o'er with age, And long experience made him sage ; In summer's heat, and winter's cold. He fed his flock, and penn'd the fold : His hours in cheerful labour flew. Nor envy nor ambition knew : His wisdom and his honest fame Through all the country rais'd his n^nme.

^ deep philosopher ( whose rules Of moral life were drawn from schools) The shepherd's homely cottage songht. And thus explor'd his reach of thought :

Whence is thy learning? Hath thy toil O'er books consum'd the midnight oil?

X.

INTRODUCTION. Hast thou old Greece and Rome survey 'd, And the vast sense of Plato weigh'd? Hath Socrates thy soul refin'd, And hast thou fathom'd TuUy's mind ? Or, like the wise Ulysses, thrown, By various fates, on realms unknown. Hast thou through various cities stray'd, Their customs, laws, and manners weigh'd .-^

The shepherd modestly reply'd, I ne'er the paths of learning try'd ; Nor have I roam'd in foreign parts. To read mankind, their laws, and arts; Por man is practis'd to disguise, He cheats the most discerning eyes; Who by that search shall wiser grow, When we ourselves can never know ? The little knowledge I"have gain'd Was all from simple Nature drain'd ; Hence my life's maxims took their rise ; Hence grew ray settled hate to vice.

The daily labours of the bee Awake my soul to industry. Who can observe the careful ant, #

And not provide for future want ? BIy dog ( the trnstiost of his kind ) With gratitude inflames my mind ; I inark his true, his fuitliful way, A-nd ip my service copy Tiay-

INTRODUCTION. In constancy and nuptial love, I learn my duty from tlie dove. The hen, who, from the chilly air, With pious wing protects her care; And ev'ry fowl that flies at large Instructs me in a parent's charge.

From Nature too I take my rule, r

To shun contempt and ridicule. I never, with important air, In conversation overbear. Can grave and formal pass for wise, When men the solemn owl despise .** My tongue within my lips I rein ; For who talks much must talk in vain. We from the wordy torrent fly : Who listens to the chatt'ring pye .'' Nor would I, with felonious slight, By stealth invade my neighbour's right. Rapacious animals we hate : Kites, hawks, and wolves, deserve their fate. Do not we just abhorrence find Against the toad and serpent kind.^ But envy, calumny, and spite. Bear stronger malice in their bite. .Thus, ev'ry object of creation Can furnish hints to contemplation ; And, from the most minute and mean, A yirtaotts mind can morals gleau .

INTRODUCTION.

Thy fame is just, the sage replies; Thy virtue proves thee truly wise. Pride often guides the author's pen ; Books as affected are as men : Rut he who studies Nature's laws From certain truth his maxims draws; And those, without our schools, suffice To make men moral, good, and wise.

FABLES BY JOHN GAY.

PART THE FIRST.

«/»/'V%'«/«.«

TO HIS HIGHNESS

WILLIAM,

DURE OF CUMBERLAND.

FABLE L i

THE LION, THE TYGER , AND THE TRAVELLER. I

i

xxccEPT, young prince, the moral lay, And in these tales mankind survey ; With early virtues plant your breast, The specious arts of vice detest.

Princes, like beauties, from their youth Are strangers to the voice of truth ; Learn to contemn all praise betimes ; For flattery's the nurse of crimes. Friendship by sweet reproof is shown, (A virtue never near a throne ;) In courts such freedom must offend ; There none presumes to be a friend.

FABLES BY JOHN GAT.

To those of your exalted station

Each courtier is a dedication.

Must I too flatter like the rest,

And turn my morals to a jest ?

The muse disdains to steal from those

Who thrive in courts hy iulsome prose.

But shall I hide your real praise, Or tell you what a nation says .►• They in your infant-bosom trace The virtues of your royal race : In the fair dawning of your mind Discern you gen'rous, mild, and kind, They see you grieve to hear distress, And pant already to redress. Go on : the height of good attain, Wor let a nation hope in vain : For hence we justly may presage The virtues of a riper age. True courage shall your bosom fire, And future actions own your sire. Cowards are cruel : but the brave Love mercy, and delight to save.

A tyger, roaming for his prey, Sprung on a trav'ler in the way; The prostrate game a lion spies, And on the greedy tyrant flies ; With mingled roar resounds the wood; Their teeth, their claws distil with blood; Till vanquish'd by the lion's strength The spotted foe extends his length. The man besought the shaggy lord, And on his knees for life implor'd. His life the gen'rous hero gave. Together walking to his cave, The lion thus bespoke his guest : What hardy beast sliall dare contest

PART THE FIRST. n

My matchless strength ! You saw the fight, And must attest my pow'r and right ; Forc'd to forego their native home. My starving slaves at distance roam. Withlu these woods I reign alone. The boundless forest is my own. Bears, wolves, and all the savage brood, Have died the regal den Vvith blood. These carcasses on either hand, Those bones that whiten all the land, My former deeds and triumphs tell, Beneath these jaws what numbers fell.

True, says the man, the strength I saw Might well the brutal nation awe : But shall a monarch, brave like you, Place glory in so false a view.* Robbers invade their neighbour's right. Be iov'd: let justice bound your might. Mean are amb:tioos heroes' boasts Of wasted lands and slaughter'd hosts. Pirates their povv'r by murders gain. Wise kings by love and mercy reign. To me your clemency hath shown The virtue worthy of a throne. Heav'n gives you pow'r above the rest, Like heav'n, to succour the distrest.

The case is plain, the monarch said : False glory hath my youth misled ; For beasts of prey, a servile train, Have been the flatterers of my reign. You reason well. Yet tell me, friend. Did ever you in courts attend ? For all my fawning rogues agree That human heroes rule lik« me.

FABLES BY JOHN GAY.

FABLE II.

• THE SPANlEIi AND THE CAMELEOX.

A. SPANIEL, bred with all the care That waits upon a fav'rite heir, Ne'er felt correction's rigid hand : Indulg'd to disobey command, In pamper'd ease his hours were spent ; He never knew what learning meant. Such forward airs, so pert, so smart, Were sure to win his lady's heart ; Each little mischief gain'd him praise; How pretty were his fawning ways J

The wind was south, the morning fair, He ventures forth to take the air : He ranges all the meadow round. And rolls upon the softest ground : When near him a cameleon seen Was scarce distinguish'd from the green :

Dear emblem of the flatt'riu^ host. What, live with clowns ! a genius lost ! To cities and the court repair; A fortune cannot fail thee there : Preferment shall thy talents crown. Believe me, friend : I know the town.

Sir, says the sycophant, like you, Of old, politer life I knew : Like you, a courtier born and bred, Kings lean'd their ear to what I said. My whisper always met success ; The ladies prais'd me for address.

PART THE FIRST. i3

I knew to hit each courtier's passion, Aud flatter'd ev'ry vice in fashion : But Jove, who hates the liar's ways, At once cut short my prosp'rous days ; And, seutencd to retain ray n-ature, Transform'd me to this crawhnaj creature; Doom'd to a life obscure and mean, I wander in the sylvan scene. For Jove the heart alone regards ; He punishes what man rewards. How diff 'rent is thy case and mine .' With men at least you sup and dine; While I, condemn'd to .thinnest fare, Like those I flatter'd feed on air.

FABLE III.

THE MOTHER, THE WrRSE , AND THE FAIRY.

ijivE me a son- The blessing sent. Were ever parents more content.? How partial are their doating eyes .' No child is half so fair and wise.

Wak'd to the morning's pleasing care, The Mother rose, and sought her heir. She saw the nurse, like one possess'd. With wringing hands, and sobbing breast.

Sure some disaster has befel : Speak, nurse ; I hope the boy is well.

Dear madam, think not me to blame ; Invisible the fairy came : Your precious babe is hence convey'd, And in the place a changebng laid.

14 FABLES BY JOHN GAY.

Where are the father's mouth and nose, The mother's eyes, as biack as sloes ? See here, a shocking aukward creature, That speaks a fool in every feature !

The woman's bUnd , the mother cries ; I see wit sparkling in his eyes.

Lord ! madam, what a squinting leer J • No doubt the fairy hath been here.

Just as she spoke, a pigmy sprite Pops through the key -hole, swift as light; Pcrchd on the cradle's top he stands. And thus hertfolly reprimands.

Whence sprung the vain conceited lie That we the world with fools supply ? What! give our sprightly race away, Vov the dull helpless sons of clay .►* Besides, by partial fondness shown, Like you we doat upon our own. Where yet was ever found a mother, Wh^'d give her booby for another ? And, should we change with human breed, Well migiit we pass for fools indeed.

FABLE IV.

THE EAGI-E, AND THE ASSEMBLY OF ANJIWALS.

J\. s .1 upiter's all-seeing eye Survcy'd the worlds beneath the sky, From this small speck of earth were scat Murmurs and sounds of discontent ; I''or ev'ry thing alive com})lain'd That he the hardest life sustain'd.

PART THE FIRST. i5 '

Jove calls his eagle. At the word, ^

Before him stands the royal bird. 1

The bird, obedient, from heav'n's height^ '..

Downward directs his rapid flight ; I

Then cited ev'ry living thing, , j

To hear the mandates of his king, ;

Ungrateful creatures, whence arise ]

These murmurs which offend the skie« ? !

Why this disorder.^ say the cause ; j

For just are .Tove's eternal laws. \

Let each his discontent reveal ; ' To you , sour dog, I first appeal.

Hard, is my lot, the hound replies , -^

On what fleet nerves the greyhound flies ! ']

WhUe I, with weary step and slow, I

O'er plains and vales, and mountains go. -

The morning sees my chase begun, '

Nor ends it till the setting sun. '

When, says the greyhound, I pursue, I

My game is lost, or caught in -^iew ; j Beyond my sight the prey's secure. The hound is slow, but always sure ; And, had I his sagacious scent,

Jove ne'er had heard my discontent. '

The lion crav'd the fox's art;

The fox , the lion's force and heart. ^

The cock implor'd the pigeon's flight, •■ Whose wings vere rapid , strong , and light ;

The pigeon strength of wing despis'd, ;

And the cock's matchless valour priz'd : '

The fishes wish'd to graze the plain ; j The beasts, to skim beneath the main : Thus, envious of another's state.

Each blam'd the partial hand of Fate. '

The bird of heav'n then cry'd aloud, Jove bids disperse the murm'ring crowd ;

i6 FABLES BY JOHN GAT.

The God rejects your idle pray'rs. Would ye, rebellious mutineers, Entirely change your name and nature. And be the very envy'd creature ? What, silent all, and none consent ! Be happy, then, and learn content; ]Nor imitate the restless mind. And proud ambition of mankind.

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FABLE V.

THE WILD BOAR AND THE RAM.

A. GAINST an elm a sheep was tied, The butcher's knife in blood was died: The patient flock, in silent fi-ight, From far beheld the horrid sight. A savage boar, who near them stood, Thus mock'd to scorn the fleecy brood.

All cowards should be serv'd like you; See, see, your murd'rer is in view ; With purple hands, and reeking knife, He strips the skin yet uarin with life: Your quarter'd sires, your bleeding dams, The dying bleat of harmless lambs Call for revenge. O stupid race .' The heart that wants revenge is base.

I grant, an ancient ram replies, We bear no terror in our eyes ; Yet think us not of soul so tame. Which no repeated wrongs inflame; Insensible of ev'ry ill. Because we want thy tusks to kill.

PART THE FIRST. r;

Know, those who violence pursue Give to thems*iVes the vengeance due : For in these massacres they find The two chief plagues that waste mankind. Our skin supplies the wrangling bar, It wakes their slumb'ring sons to war; And well revenge may rest contented. Since drums and parchment were invented.

FABLE VI.

THE MISER AND PLCTCS.

J. HE wind was high, the window shakes, With sudden start the miser wakes ; Along the silent room he stalks, Looks back, and trembles as he walks. Each lock, and ev'ry bolt, he tries. In ev'ry creek and corner pries ; Then opes the chest with treasure stor'd. And stands in rapture o'er his hoard. But now with sudden qualms possest. He wrings his hands, he beats his breast. By conscience stung, he wildly stares ; And thus his guilty soul declares.

Had the deep earth her stores confiu'd : This heart had known sweet peace of mind ; But virtue's sold. Good gods ! what price Can recompense the pangs of vice I O bane of good ; seducing cheat .' Can man, weak man, thy pow'r defeat ? Gold banish'd lionour from the mind, And only left the name behind :

3.

i8 TABLES BY JOHN GAY. |

Gold sow'd the world with ev'ry ill ; .|

Gold taught the mnrd'rer's sword to kill : *!

'Twas gold instructed coward hearts j

In treach'ry's more pernicious arts. ii

Who can recount the mischiefs o'er .^ \j

Virtue resides on earth no more ! j

He spoke, and sigh'd. In angry mood, J

Plutus, his god, before him stood. i

The miser, trembling, lock'd his chest : '

The vision frown'd, and thus addrest : ]

Whence is this vile ungrateful rant, j

Kach sordid rascal's daily cant .'* Did I, base wretch, corrupt mankind ? *

The fault's in thy rapacious mind. j

Because my blessings are abus'd. Must 1 be ceusur'd, curs'd, accus'd.-* E'en virtue's self by knaves is made A cloak to carry on the trade ; And pow'r, when lodg'd in their possession, * Grows tyranny, and rank oppression. |

Thus when the villain crams his chest , Gold is the canker of the breast : i

'Tis av'rice , insolence , and ]>ridc , And ev'ry shocking vice beside. But when to virtuous hands 'tis given , It blesses , like the dew of heaven : Like heav'n it hears the orphan's cries. And wipes the tears fi om widows' eyes. Their crimes on gold shall misers lay , Who pawn their sordid souls for pay ? Let bravoes then, when blood is spilt, Upbraid the passive soul with guili.

PART THE FIRST.

FABLE VII.

THE LION, THE FOX, AND THE GEESE.

A LION, tir'd witli state affairs, Quite sick of pomp, and worn -with cares, Resolv'd, remote from noise and strife, In peace to pass bis latter life.

It was proclaim'd ; the day was set i Behold the gen'ral council met. The fox vas viceroy nam'd. The crowd To the new regent humbly bow'd . Wolves, bears, and mighty tygers bend, And strive who most shall condescend. He straight assumes a solemn grace, Collects his wisdom in his face ; The crowd admire bis wit, his sense : Each word hath weight and consequence. The flatt'rer all his art displays : He who hath pow'r is sure of praise. A fox stept forth before the rest, And tbus the servile throng addrest :

How vast his talents, born to rule, And train'd in virtue's honest school / What clemency his temper sways .' How uncorrupt are all his ways .' Beneath his conduct and command. Rapine shall cease to waste the land. His brain hath stratagem and art; Pi^udence and mercy rule his heart ; What blessings must attend the nation Under his good administration !

t ABLES BY JOHN GAY.

He said. A goose, who distant stood, Harangu'd apart the cackliog brood.

Whene'er I hear a knave commend, He bids me shun his worthy friend. What praise ! what mighty commendation ! But 'twas a fox who spoke th' oration. Foxes this government may prize, As gentle, plentiful, and wise ; If they enjoy the sweets, 'tis plain We geese miist feel a tyrant reign. What havock now shall thin our race, When ev'ry petty clerk in place. To prove bis taste, and seem polite, Will feed on geese both noon and night !

FABLE VIII.

THE I,A.DY AND THE WASF.

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HAT wkispors must the beauty bear . What hourly non.sense haunts her ear! Where'er her eyes dispense their charms, Impertinence around her swarms. Did not the tender nonsense strike, Coiitempt and scorn might look dislike: I'orbidding airs might thin the place, The slightest flap a fly can chase. Rut who can drive the num'rous breed ? (>hase one, another will succeed. Who knows a fool, must know his brother : One fop will recommend another: And with this plague she's rightly curst, Because she listen'd to the lifsf.

PART THE FIRST. 2»

As Doris , at her toilette's duty, Sat meditatiu£^ on her beauty, She now was pensive , now was gay, And loU'd the sultry hours away.

As thus in indolence she lies, A giddy wasp around her flies. He now advances, now retires. Now to her neck and cheek aspires. Her fan in vain defends her charms ; Swift he returns , again alarms ; For by repulse he bolder grew , Perch' d on her lip and sipt the dew.

She frowns ; she frets. Good gods ! she cries , Protect me from these teazing flies .' Of all the plagues that Heav'u hath sent , A wasp is most impertinent.

The hov'ring insect thus complain'd ; Am I then slighted, scorn'd, disdain'd? Can such offence your auger wake? 'Twas beauty caus'd the bold mistake. Those cherry lips that breathe perfume , That cheek so ripe with youthful bloom , Made me with strong desire pursue The fairest peach that ever grew.

Strike him not , Jenny , Doris cries , Nor murder wasps like valgar Qies: For though he's free , ( to do him right , ) The creature's civil and polite.

In ecstacies aw av he posts ; Where'er he came the favour boasts ; Brags how her sweetest tea he sips , And shews the sugar on his lips.

The hint alarm 'd the forward crew : Sure of success away they flew. They share the dainties oY the day , Round her with airy musick play ;

FABLES BY JOHN fxAY. And now they flutter , now they rest , Now soar again , and skim her breast. Nor Avere they banish' d, till she found That wasps have stings , and felt the wound.

FABLE IX.

THE BULL AND THE MASTirr.

Jj E E K you to train your fav'rite boy ? Each caution, ev'iy care employ ; And ere you venture to confide , Let his preceptor's heart be try'd : Weigh well his manners, life, and scope ; On these depends thy future hope.

As on a time in peaceful reign , A bull enjoy'd the flow'ry plain, A mastiff pass'd ; inflam'd with ire, His eye-balls shot indignant lire ; He foam'd, he rag'd with thirSt of blood.

Spurning ihe ground, the monarch stood. And roar'd aloud. Suspend the light ; In a whole skin go sleep to night : Or tell me , ere the battle rage, What wrongs provoke thee to engage? Is it ambition lires thy breast, Or avarice that ne'er can rest? From these alone unjustly springs The world-destroying wrath of kings.

The surly mastiff thus returns : Within my bosom glory burns. Like heroes of eternal name, Whom poets sing, I fight for fflme.

PART THE FIRST. The butcher's spirit-stirring mind To daily war my youth incliu'd ; He traiu'd me to heroick deed. Taught me to conquer , or to bleed.

Curs'd dog, the bull reply 'd, no more I wonder at thy thirst of gore ; For thou ( beneath a butcher train'd. Whose hands with cruelty are stain'd, His daily murders in thy view ) Must, like thy tutor, blood pursue. Take then thy fate. With goring wound , At once he lifts him from the ground ; Aloft the sprawling hero flies , Mangled he falls , he howls , and dies.

FABLE X.

THE ELEPHANT X'SD THE BOOKSELLER.

JL HE man who, with undaunted toils, Sails unknown seas, to unknown soils, With various wonders feasts his sight; What stranger wonders does he write .' We read, and in description view Creatures which Adam never kuew : For when we risk no contradiction, It prompts the tongue to deal in fiction. Those things that startle me or you I grant are strange, yet may be true. Who doubts that elephants are found For science and for sense renown'd ? Kom records their strength of parts, Extent of thought . and skill in arts :

24 FABLES BY JOHN GAT.

How they perform the law's decrees, And save the state the hangman's fees , And how by travel understand The language of another land. Let those who question this report, To Pliny's ancient page resort. How learn'd was that sagacious breed ! Who now, like them, the Greek can read.^

As one of these, in days of yore, R.ummag'd a shop of learning o'er ; Not, like our modern dealers, minding Only the margin's breadth and binding ; A book his curious eye detains. Where, with exactest care and pains, Were ev'ry beast and bird portray'd That e'er the search of man surve'yd ; Their natures and their pow'rs were writ. With all the pride of human wit. The page he with attention spread , And thus remark'd on what he read.

Man with strong reason is endow'd; A beast scarce instinct is allow'd : But let this author's worth be try'd , 'Tis plain that neither was his guide. Can he discern the diff'rent natures , And weigh the pow'r of other creatures. Wlio by the partial work hath .shown * He knows so little of his own ? How falsely is the spaniel drawn ! Did man from him iirsi learn to f;-wn i' A dog proficient in the trade I He, the chief llatt'rer nature made ! Go, man , the ways of courts discern , You'll find a spaniel still might learn.

PART THE FIRST. al

How can the fox's iheft and plunder Provoke his censure or his wonder? From courtiers' tricks, and lawyers' arts The fox might well improve his parts. The lion , wolf, and tyger'.s brood , He curses for their thirst of blood : But is not man to man a prey ? Beasts kill for hunger , men for pay.

The bookseller, who heard him speak, And saw him turn a page of Greek, Thought, what a genius have I found ! Then thus address'd with bow profound.

Learn'd Sir , if you'd employ your pen Against the senseless sons of men , Or write the history of Siam , No man is better pay than I am ; Or , since you're learn'd in Greek , let's se& Something against the Trinity.

When wrinkhng with a sneer his Jrunk , Friend, quoth the elephant, you're drunk: E'en keep your money , and be wise ; Leave man on fa?.n to criticise : For that you ne'er can want a pen Among the senseless sons of men : They unprovok'd will court the fray : Envy's a sharper spur than pay. No author ever spar'd a brother; Wits are i;ame-cocks to one another.

FABLE XI.

THE PEACOCK., THE TURKEY, AWD THE GOOSE.

X N beauty faults conspicuous grow ; The smallest speck is seen on snow.

a6 FABLES BY JOHN GAY.

As near a barn , by hunger led , A peacock with the poultry fed; All view'd him with an envious eye. And niock'd liis gaudy pageantry. He , conscious of superior merit. Contemns their base reviling spirit; His state a ad d'gnity assumes , And to the snu displays hjs ^>lumes ; Which, like the hew'n's oVi -arching skies, Are spangled with a thousand eyes. The circling rays, and varied light. At once confound thtir dazzled sight: On ev'ry tongue detraction burns, And malice prompts their spleen by turns.

Mark Avith what intolcnce and pride The crs^ature takes his luuighty stride ! * The turkey cries. Can spleen contain? Sure never bird was half so vain : But were ii:tiinsick merit seen , We turkeys have the whiter skin.

From tongue to tongu? they caught abuse; And next vv^j heard the hissing goose. . What hideous legs ! what lillhy claws ! I scorn to censure little flaws. Then what a horrid squawling throat ! Ev'n owls are frighted ht the note.

True, those are faults, the peacock cries; My scream , my shanks you may despise ; But such blind criticks rail in vain : Wliat, overlook my radiant train .' Know, did my legs, your scorn and sport, The turkey or the goose su}>port , And did ye scream with harsher sound, Those faults in you had ne'er been found ; To all apparent beauties blind , Each blemish strikes an envious mind.

PART THE FIRST. 37

Tlius in assemblies have I seen A nymph of brightest charms and mien Wake envy in each ugly face , And buzzing scandal fill the place.

FABLE XII.

CCrriD , HY-MEN , AND PLCTUS.

As Cupid in Cythera's grove Employ'd the lesser pow'rs of love, Some shape the bow, or fit the string, Some give the taper shaft its win^. Or turn the polish'd quiver's mould, O^^head the darts with temper'd gold. Amidst their toil and various care, Thus hymen, with assuming air, Address'd the God, Thou purblind chit, Of auk ward and ill-judging wit, If matches are not better made, At once I must forswear my trade. You send me such ill coupled folks. That "tis a shame to sell them yokes. They squabble for a pin, a feather, And wonder how they came together. The husband's sullen, dogged, shy; The wife grows flippant in reply : He loves command and due restriction ; And she as well likes contiadiction : She never slavishly submits ; She'll have her wiU , or have her fits. He this way tugs, she t'other draws ; The man grows jealous, and with cause.

ag FABLES BY JOHN GAY.

Nothing can save him but divorce ; And here the wife complies of course.

When, says the boy, had I to do With either your affairs or you ? I never idly spend my darts ; You trade in mercenary hearts. For settlements the la\>yer's fee'd; Is my hand witness to the deed ? If they like cat and dog apree, Go rail at Plutus, not at me.

Plutus appear'd, and said : 'Tis true ; In marriage gold is all their view ; They seek not beauty, wit, or sense; And love is seldom the pretence. All offer incense at my shrine, And I alone the bargain sign. How can Belinda blame her fate ? She only ask'd a great estate. Doris was rich enough, 'tis true ; Her lord must give her title too ; ■ And ev'ry man, or rich or poor, A fortune asks, and asks no more.

Av'rice, whatever shap.e it bears. Must still be coupled with its cares.

FABLE XIII.

THE TAME STAG.

-tL s a young stag the thicket past. The branches held his antlers fast ; A clown, who saw the captive hung, Across the horns his halter flung.

PART THE FIRST. 19

Now safely hamper'd in the cord,

He bore the present to his lord. .

His lord was pleas'd; as was the clown,

When he was tip'd with half-a-crown.

The stag was brought before his wife ;

The tender lady begg'd his life.

How sleek's the skin .' how speck'd like ermine !

Sure never creature was so charming !

At first within the yard confin'd, He flies and hides from all mankind ; Now bolder grown, with fix'd amaze. And distant awe, presumes to gaze*, Munches the linen on the lines , And on a hood or apron dines ; He steals my little master's bread, Follows the servants to be fed : Nearer and nearer now he stands. To feel the praise of patting hands ; Examines ev'ry fist for meat, And though repuls'd, disdains retreat; Attacks again with levell'd horns ; And man, that was his terror, scorns.

Such is the country maiden's fright, When first a red-coat is in sight, Behind the door she hides her face ; Next tim'e at distance eyes the lace. She now can all his terrors stand, Nor from his squeeze w^thdraws her hand. She plays familiar in his arms. And ev'ry soldier hath Ixis charms. From tent to tent she spreads her flame ; For custom conquers fear and shame.

Bo FABLES BY JOHN GAT.

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THE MONKEY WHO HA.D SEEN THE WORL*.

A MONKEY, to reform the times, Resolv'd to visit foreign climes : For men in distant regions roam To bring politer manners home. So forth he fares ; all toils defies : ' Misfortune serves to make us wise.

At length the treach'rous snare was laid; Poor pug was caught, to town convey'd, There sold. How envy'd was his doom, Made captive in a lady's room ! Proud as a lover of his chains. He day by day her favour gains. Whene'er the duty of ihe day The toilette calls ; with miniick play He twirls her knots, he cracks her fan, Like any other gcntleraau. In visits too, his parts and wit, When jests grew dull, were sure to hit. Proud with a|)plause, he thought his mind In ev'ry courtly art refin'd; Like Orpheus, burnt with publick zeal, To civilize the Monkey -weal : So Avatch'd occasion, broke his chain, And sought his native woods again.

The hairy sylvans round him press. Astonished at his strut and dress. Spme praise his sleeve; and others glole Upon hi5 rich embroidcr'd coat ;

PART THE FIRST. 3i

His dapper perriwig comruending, i

With the black tail behind depending; i

His powder'd back, above, below, '

Like hoary frost, or fleecy snow ;

But all, with envy and desire, j

His flutt'ring shoulder-knot admire.

Hear, and improve, he pertly cries ; i

I come to make a nation wise. \

Weigh your own worth ; support your place , j

The next in rank to human race. \

In cities long I pass'd my days, Couvers'd with men, and learn'd their ways. Their dress, their courtly manners see ; Reform your state, and copy me. \

Seek ye to thrive .•' in flatt'ry deal ; Your scorn, your hate, with that conceal. >

Seem only to regard your friends, But use them for your private ends. Stint not to truth the flow of wit ; '

Be prompt to lie whene'er 'tis fit.- i

Bend all your force to spatter merit : ^

Scandal is conversation's spirit. i

Boldly to ev'ry thing pretend.

And men your talents shall commend. ;

I knew the great. Observe me right ; i

So shall you grow, like man, polite.

He spoke, and bow'd. With mutt'ring jaws "■

The wond'ring circle grinn'd applause. . ,

Now, warm'd with malice, envy, spite, Their most obliging friends they bite, And, fond to copy human ways. Practise new mischiefs all their days. I

Thus the dull Jad, too tall for school, \

With travel finishes the fool j ]

32 TABLES BY JOHN GAY.

Studious of ev'ry coxcomb's airs, He drinks, games, dresses, whores and swears : OVrlooks with scorn all virtuous arts, For vice is fitted to his parts.

FABLE XV.

THE PHILOSOPHER AND THE PHEASANTS.

i HE sage, awak'd at early day. Through the deep forest took his way ; Drawn by the musick of the groves, Along the wind ug gloom he roves : From tree to tree the warbling tbroats Prolong the sweet alternate notes. But where he past, he terror threw, The song broke short, the warblers flew; The thrushes chatter'd Avith affright, And nightingales abhorr'd his sight ; All animals before him ran, . To shun the hateful sight of man.

Whence is this dread of ev'ry creature? Fly they our figure or our nature ?

As thus he walk'd in musing thougjit, His ear imperfect accents caught : Witli cautious step he nearer drew By the thick shade conceal'd from view. High on the branch a ])heasant stood, Around her all her list'ning brood ; Proud of the blessings of her nest, She thus a mother's care exprest.

No dangers here shall circumvent; Within the woods enjoy content.

PART THE FIRST. 33

Sooner the hawk or vulture trust

Than man, of animals the worst.

In him ingratitude you find,

A vice peculiar to the kind.

The sheep, whose annual fleece is died,

To guard his health and serve his pride,

Forc'd from his fold and native plain.

Is in the cruel shambles slain.

The swarms, who, with industrious skill.

His hives with wax and honey fill.

In vain whole summer days employ'd.

Their stores are sold, their race destroy'd.

What tribute from the goose is paid .'

Does not her wing all science aid !

Does it not lover's hearts explain,

And drudge to raise the merchant's gain?

What now rewards this gen'ral use ?

He takes the quills, and eats the goose.

Man then avoid, detest his ways ;

So safety shall prolong yoiir days.

When services are thus acquitted.

Be sure wtf pheasants must be spitted.

FABLE XVI.

THE riW AND THE NEEDLE.

jA. pin, who long had serv'd a beauty,

Proficient in the toilette's duty,

Had form'd her sleeve, confin'd her hair.

Or giv'n her knot a smarter air,

Now nearest to her heart was plac'd,

Now in her montaa's tail disgrac'd ;

34 FABLES BY JOHN GAT.

But could she partial fortune blame, Who saw her lovers serv'd the same?

At length from all her honours cast , Through various turns of hfe she past ; Now glitter'd on a tailor's arm ; Now kept a beggar's infant warm ; Now, rang'd within a miser's coat, Contributes to his yearly groat ; Now, rais'd again from low approach, She visits in the doctor's coach ; Here, there, by various fortune tost, At last in Gresham-hall was lost. Charm'd with the wonders of the show, On ev'ry side, above, below, She now of this or that enquires, What least was understood admires. 'Tis plain, each thing so struck her mind, Her head's of virtuoso kind.

And pray what's this, and this, dear Sir.** A needle, says th' interpreter. She knew the name. And thus the fool Address'd her as a tailor's tool.'

A needle with that filthy stone, Quite idle, all with rust o'ergrown ! You better might employ your parts. And aid the sempstress in her arts. But tell me how the friendship grew Between that paltry flint and you.**

Friend, says the needle , cease to blame; I follow real worth and fame. Know'st thou the loadstone's pow'r and arf, That virtue virtues can impart? Of all his talents I partake, Who then can such a friend forsake ? *Tis I direct the pilot's hand To shun the rocks and trcach'rous sand :

PART THE FIRST. 35 j

By rae the distant world is known,

And either India is our own. 1

Had I with milliners been bred. '.

What had I been ? The gnide of thread ; i

And drudg'd as vulgar needles do, j

Of no more consequence than you. ]

FABLE XVII.

THE SHEPHERn's DOG AND THE WOLF. 1

i\. WOLF, with hunger fierce and bold,

Ravag'd the plains, and thinn'd the fold ;

Deep in the wood secure he lay, i

The thefts of night regal'd the day.

In vain the shepherd's wakeful care

Had spread the toils, and watch'd the snace;

In vain the dog pursu'd his pace, \

The fleeter robber mock'd the chase.

As Lightfoot rang'd the forest round, ]

By chance his foe's retreat he found. I

Let us awhile the war suspend, i

And reason as from friend to friend. '

A truce ^ replies the wolf. 'Tis done. i

The dog the parley thus begun : ;

How can that strong intrepid mind ?

Attack a weak defenceless kiud.^ i

Those jaws should prey on nobler food, \

And drink the boar's and lion's blood. Great souls with gen'rous pity melt, Which coward tyrants never felt. \

How harmless is our fleecy care ! '

Be brave ; and let thy mercy spare.

58 TABLES BY JOHN GAY. \

Friend, says the wolf, the matter weigh : '

Nature design'd us beasts of prey ; ;!

As such, when hunger finds a treat, {

*Tis necessary wolves should eat. ;

If mindful of the bleating weal, j

Thy bosom burn with real zeal, i

Hence, aud thy tyrant lord beseech ; I

To him repeat the moving speech : j

A wolf eats sheep, but now and then ; ;

Ten thousands are devour'd by men. ?

An open foe maiy prove a curse, t\

But a pretended friend is worse. '

FABLE XVIII.

THE PAINTER WHO PLEASED NOBODY AND EVERY BODY.

«JLest men suspect your tale untrue. Keep prohabilily in view. The trav'ler leaping o'er those bounds. The credit of his book confounds. Who with his tongue hath armies routed, Makes ev'n his real courage doubted. But flatt'ry never seems absurd; The flatter'd always take youi' v\ord ; Impossibilities seem just: They take the strongest praise on trust. Hyperboles, tho' ne'er so great, Will still come short of self-conceit.

So very like a painter drew. That ev'ry eye the picture knew; He hit complexion, feature, air. So just, the life itself was there.

PART THE FIRST.

No flatt'ry with bis colours laid, To bloom restor'd tbe faded maid; He gave eacb muscle all its strenjjtb; Tbe moutb, the chin, tbe nose's length. His honest pencil touch'd with truth, And mark'd tbe date of age and youth.

He lost his friends, his practice fail'd; Truth should not always be reveal'd ; In dusty piles his pictures lay, For no one sent the second pay. Two bustoes, fraught with ev'ry grace, A Venus' and Apollo's face. He plac'd in view; resolv'd to please, Whoever sat he drew from these. From these corrected ev'ry feature, And spirited each aukward creature.

All things were set ; the hour was come, His pallet ready o'er bis thumb ; My lord appear" d ; and seated right, In proper attitude and bght, The painter look'd, he sketch'd the piece, Then dipt his pencil, talk'd of Greece, Of Titian's tints, of Guido's air ; Those eyes, my lord, the spirit there Might well a Raphael's band require, To give them all the native lire; Tbe features fraught with sense and wit, You'll grant, are very hard to hit; But yet with patience you shall view As much as paint and art can do.

Observe the work. My lord reply'd, 'Till now I thought ray mouth was wide; Besides, my nose is somewhat long; Dear Sir, for me, 'tis far too young.

Oh! pardon me, tbe artist cry'd. In this we painters must decide :

38 TABLES BY JOHN GAY. j

The piece ev'u common eyes must strike; (

I warrant it extremely like. :

My lord examin'd it a new ; -i

No looking-glass seem'd half so true.

A lady came : with borrow'd giace i

He from his Venus form'd her face. ,]

Her lover prais'd the painter's art ; J

So like the picture in his heart .' To ev'ry age some charm he lent ; :

Ev'n beauties were almost content.

Through all the town his art they prais'd; [ His custoju grew; his price was rais'd. '

Had he the real likeness shown, v

Would any man the piclure o\\n? ij

But when thus happily he wrou;.'ht, -\

Each found the likeness in his thought.

FABLE XIX.

THE I.IOX ANU THE CVB.

11 o w fond are men of rule and place, Who court it from the mean and base ! These cannot bear an equal nigh But from superior merit fly. They love the cellar's vulgar joke, And lose their hours in ale and smoke ; There o'er some petty club preside; So poor, so paltry in their pride ! Nay, ev'n with fools whole nights will sit, In hopes to be supreme in wit. If these can read, to these I write, To set their worth in truest light.

PART THE riRST. 39

A lion-cub, of sordid mind, Avoided all the lion kind ; Fond of applause, he sought the feasts Of vulgar and ignoble beasts ; With asses all his time he spent. Their club's perpetual president. He caught tbeir manners, looks, and airs; An ass in ev'ry thing, but ears ! If e'er his highness meant a joke, They grinn'd applause before he spoke ; But at each word, what shouts of praise I Good gods ! hoTV natural be brays !

Elate with flatt'ry and conceit, He seeks his royal sire's retreat; Forward, and fond to show his parts, His highness brays; the lion starts.

Puppy, that curs'd vociferation Betrays thy life and conversation : Coxcombs, an ever-noisy race, Are trumpets of their own disgrace.

Why so severe I the cub replies; Our senate always held me v^ise. Hovf weak is pride .' returns the sire ; All fools are vain, when fools admire.' But know, what stupid asses prize, Lions and noble beasts despise.

FABLE XX.

THE OLD HEN AND THE COCK.

JLLestratn your cbild; you'll soon belicA'e The text which says we sprung from Eve.

4o FABLES BY JOHN GAY.

As an old hen led fortli her train, And seem'd to peck to shew the grain; She rak'd the chaff, she .scratch'd the ground, And glean'd the spacious yard around ; A giddy chick, to try her wings. On the well's narrow margin springs, And prone she diops. The mother's breast All day with sorrow was possest.

A cock she met ; her son she knew, .And in her heart affection grew.

My son, says she, I grant your years Have reach'd beyond a mother's cares. I see yt>u vig'rous, strovig, and bold ; , I hear with joy your triumphs told. 'Tis not from cocks thy fate I dread ; But let thy ever- wary tread Avoid yon well ; that fatal place . Is sure perdition to our race. Print this my counsel on thy breast; To the just gods I leave the rest. He thank' d her care : yet day by day His bosom burn'd to disobey ; And ev'ry time the well he saw, •

Scorn'd in his heart the foolish law ; Near and more near each day he drew. And long'd to try the dang'rous view.

Why was this idle charge ? he cries : Let courage female fears despise. Or did she doubt my heart was brave, And therefore this injunction gave.^ Or docs her harvest store the place, A treasure for her younger race.*' / And would she thus my search prcv^eut ? I stand resolv'd, and dnre th' event.

Thus said. He mounts the margins run' And pries into the depth profound.

PART THE FIRST. 41

He sfretch'd his neck ; and from below With stretohiug neck advanc'd a foe ; With wrath his ruflled plume he rears, The foe with ruffled plume appears: Threat answer'd threat : his fury ffrew, Headlong to meet the v.ar he flew. But when the watVy death he found, He thus lamented as he drown'd :

I ne'er had been in this condition, But for my mother's prohibition.

FABLE XXI.

THE RAT-CATCHER AND CATS,

± HE rats by nijjht such mischief did, Betty was ev'ry morning chid : They undermiii'd whole sides of bacon, Her cheese was sapp'd, her tarts were taken; Her pasties, fenc'd with thickest paste, Were ail demo'ish'd and laid waste. She curs'd the cat for want of duty, Who left her foes a constant booty.

An euj^ineer, of noted skill, Engag'd to stop the growing ill.

From room to room he now surveys Their haunts, their works, their secret ^^avs. Finds where they 'scape an ambuscade, • And whence the nigthly sally's made.

An envious cat from place to place, Unseen, attends his silent pace ; She saw that, if his trade went on, The purring race must be undone ;

4.

42 FABLES BY JOHN GAY.

So secretly removes his bails, And ev'i-y stratagem defeats.

Again he sets the poison'd toils, And puss again the labour foils.

Wbat foe, to frustrate my designs. My schemes thus nightly countermines ? Incens'd, he cries ; this very hour The wretch shall bleed beneath my pow'r.

So said. A pond'rous trap he brought, And in the fact poor puss was caught.

Smuggler, says he, thou shalt be made A victim to our loss oi trade.

The captive cat, with piteous mews, For pardon, life, and freedom sues. A sister of the scienoe spare ; One int'rest is our comrnon care.

What insolence .' the man reply'd : Shall cats with us the game divide ; Were all your interloping-hand Extinguish'd, or expeJl'd the land. We rat-catchers might raise our fees, Sole guardians of a nation's cheese .'

A cat, who saw the lificd knife. Thus spoke, and sav'd her sister's life : In ev'ry age and clime, we see. Two of a trade can ne'er agree. Bhch hates his neighbour for encroaching ; 'Squire stigmatises "squire for poaching ; Beauties with beauties are in arms. And scandal pelts each other's charms ; Kings too their'ueighbour kings dethrone. In hope to jnake the world their own. But let us limit our desires. Not war like beauties, kings, and 'squires: For though we both one prey pujrsue, There's game enough for us and you.

PART THE FIRST. 43

FABLE XXII.

THE GOAT WITHOUT X BEARD.

± IS certain that the modish passions Descend among the crowd like fashions : Excuse me then if pride, conceit, ( The manners of the fair and great, ) I give to monkeys, asses, dogs. Fleas, owls, goats, butterflies, and hogs. I say that these are proud. What then? I never said they equal men.

A goat, as vain as goat can be, Affected singularity. Whene'er a thymy bank he found. He roU'd upon the fragrant ground; And then with fond attention stood, Jlx'd o'er his image in the flood.

I hate my frowzy beard, he cries : My youth is lost in this disguise. Did not the females know ray vigour, Well might they loath this rev'rend figure.

Resolv'd to smooth his shaggy face, He sought the barber of the place, A flippant monkey, spruce and smart, Hard by, profess'd the dar per art. His pole with pewter basons hung, Black rotten teeth in order strung! Rang'd cups, that in the window stood. Lin'd with red rags, to look like blood, Did well his threefold trade explain. Who shav'd, drew teeth, and breathd a xi

FABLES BY JOHN GAT.

The goat lie welcomes with an air, And seats him in his wooden chair: Mouth, nose, and cheeks the lathcF hides : Light, smooth, and swift, the razor glides.

I hope your custom. Sir, says pug; Sure never face v^s half so smug.

The goat, impatient for applause, Swift to the neighh'ring hill withdraws ; The shaggy people grinn'd and star'd. Heighday ! what's here? wifhout a beard. Say, brother, whence the dire disgrace.^ What envious hand halh robb'd yovir face ? When thus the fop with smiles of scorn: Are beards by civil nations worn ? Ev'n Muscovites have mow'd their chins, Shall we, like formal capuchins. Stubborn in pride, retain the mode, And bear about the hairy load ? Wliene'er we through the village stray, Are we not mock'd along the way; Insulted with loud shouts of scorn ; By boys our beards disgrac'd and torn .•'

Wore you no more with goats to dwell, Brother, I grant you reason well, Beplies a bearded chief. Beside, If boys can mortify thy pride, How wilt thou stand the ridicule Of our whole flock ? affected fool .' Coxcombs distingnish'd from the rest To all but coxcombs are a jest.

PART THE FIRST.

FABLE XXIII.

THE OLD WOMAN AND HER CATS.

Who friendsliip with a knave hath made Is judg'd a partner in the trade. The matron who conducts abroad A willing nymph, is thought a bawd ; And if a modest girl is seen With one who cures a lover's spleen, We guess her not extremely nice, And only wish to know her price. 'Tis thus, that on the choice of friends Our good or evil name depends.

A wrinkled hag, of wicked fame, Reside a little smoaky fbnie Sat hov'ring, piuch'd with age and frost ; Her shriveil'd hands, with veins emboss'd. Upon her knees her weight sustains, W^hile palsy shook her crazy brains : She mumbles forth her backv.ard pray'rs, An untam'd scold of fourscore years. About her swarm'd a num'rous brood Of cats, who lank with hunger mewd.

Teaz'd with their ci'ies, her cholcr grew, And thus she spulter'd : li'ence, ye crew; Fool that I was to entertain Such imps, such Hends, a hellish train ! Had ye been never hous'd and nnrs'd, I, for a witch, had ne'er been curs'd. To you I owe that crowds of boys Worry me with eternal noise ;

4G FABLES BY JOHN GAY.

Straws laid across my pace retard, Theliorse-slioe's nail'd, (each threshold's guai The stunted broom the wenches hide, For fear that I should up and ride ; They stick with pins my bleeding seat, And bid me show my secret teat.

To hear you pi'ate would vex a saint : Who hath most reason of complaint? Replies a cat. Let's come to proof. Had we ne'er starv'd beneath your roof, We had, like others of our race. In credit liv'd as beasts of chase. * 'Tis infamy to serve a hag ; Cats are thought imps, her broom a nag; And boys against our lives combine. Because, 'tis said, your cats have nine.

FABLE XXTV.

THE BUTTERFLY JlNJ) THE SNAIL.

jfiLL upstarts insolent in place, Remind us of their vulgar race.

As in the sunshine of the morn, A butterfly, but newly born, Sat proudly perking on a rose. With pert conceit his bosom glows ; His wings, all glorious to behold, Bcflropt with azure, jet, and gold. Wide he displays; the spanj;!ed dew Reflects bis eyes, and various liue.

His now forgotten fiieiid, a snail. Beneath his house, with slimy trail

PART THE FIRST. 47

Crawls o'er the grass ; whom when he spies,

In wrath he to the gard'ner cries :

What means yon peasant's daily toil,

From choaking weeds to rid the soil? . Why wake you to the morning's care? ^ Why with new arts correct the year?

Why grows the peach with crimson hue ?

And why the plum's inviting hlue ?

W'ere they to feast his taste designed,

That vermin of voracious kind?

Crush then the slow, the pilf 'ring race ;

So purge thy garden from disgrace. What arrogance I the snail reply 'd ;

How insolent is upstart pride ?

Hadst thou not thus with insult vain

Provok'd my patience to complain,

I had conceal'd thy meaner birth.

Nor trac'd thee to the scum of earth.

For scarce nine suns have wak'd the hours,

To swell the fruit, and paint the liow'rs,

Since I thy humbler life surveyed,

In base and sordid guise array'd,

A hideous insect, vile, unclean, •

You dragg'd a slow and noisome train ;

And from your spider bowels drevs"

Foul iilm, and spun the dirty clue.

I own my humble life, good friend ;

Snail was I born, and snail shall end.

And what's a butterfly ? At best,

He's but a caterpillar drest ;

And all thy race, a num'rous seed,

Shall prove of caterpillar breed.

48 FABLES BY JOHN GAY.

FA.BLE XXV.

THE SOOLD AND THE PARKOT.

X HE husband thus reprov'd his wife : Who dials in slander, lives in strife. Art thou, the herald of disgrace, Denouncing war to ail thy race ? Can nothing quell thy thunder's I'age, Which spares nor friend, nor sex, nor age .►• That vixen tongue of yours, my dear, Alarms our neighbours far and near : Good gods ! 'tis like a rolling river, That muiva'ring flows, and flows for ever ? Ne'er tir'd, perpetual discord sowing! Like fame, it gathers strength by going.

Heighday ! the flippant tongue replies, How solemn is the fool I how wise .' Is naturA choicest gift debarr'd? Nay, frown not ; for I will be heard. Women of late are iinely ridden, A parrot's privilege forbidden? You praise his talk, his squawling song ; But wives are always in the wrong.

Now reputations fle\y in pieces, Of mothers, daughters, aunts, and nieces ; She ran the parrot's language o'er, Bawd, hussy, drunkanl, slattern, whore; On ail the sex she vents her fury. Tries and condemns without a jury.

At once the torrent of her words Alarm'd cat, monkey, dogs, and birds:

PART THE riRST. J^g

All join their forces to con'ound her. Puss spits, tiie monkey chatters round her; The yelping cur her heels assaults ; The magpie blabs out all her faults; Poll, iu the uproar, from his cage. With this rebuke out scream'd her rage.

A parrot is for talking pr.z'd, But pi-attliag women are des} is'd. She who attacks another's honour Draws evlry living th ng upon her. Think, madam, when you stretch your lungs. That all your neighbours too have tongues : One slander must ten thousand get, The world with int'rest pays the debt.

FABLE -XX VI.

THK CUR AND THE MASTIFF.

jt\. SNEAKTNG cur, the master's spy, Rewarded for his daily lie. With secret jealousies anil Tears Set all together by the ears. Poor puss to-day was in disgrace, Another cat supply'd her place ; The hound was beat, the mastiff chid, The monkey was the room forbid ; Each to h.s dearest friend grew shy, And none could tell the reason why. A plan to rob the house was laid : The thief with love seduc'd the maid, Cajol'd the cur, and strok'd Ins head, And bought his secrecy with bread.

FABLES BY JOHN GAY. lis next the mastiff's honour ti'ied, Whose honest jaws the bribe 4(eiieil. He stretch' d his hand to proffer more ; The surly dog his fingers tore.

Swift ran the cur : with indignation The master took his information. Hang him, the villain's curs'd, he cries ; And round his neck the halter ties.

The dog his humble suit preferr'd, And begg'd in justice to be heard. The master sat. On either hand The cited dogs confronting stand ; The cur the bloody tale relates, And, like a lawyer, aggravates.

Judge not unheard, the mastiff cried, But weigh the cause of either side. Think not that treach'ry can be just. Take not informers' Avords on trust. They ope their hand to ev'ry pay, And you and me by turns betray.

He spoke. And all the truth appear'd. The cur was hang'd, the mastiff clcar'd.

FABLE XXVII.

• TUE SICK MJLX AND THE ANCEL.

As there no hope ? the sick man said. The silent doctor shook Jiis head, And took his leave, with signs of sorrow, Dcsjjairing of his fee to-inorrow.

When thus the man, with gasping breath I feel the chilling wound of death :

PART THE riRST. 5x

Since I must bid the world adieu, Let me my former life revievA. I grant, my bargains -nell were made, Rut all men over-reach ia trade ; 'Tis self-defence in each profession : Sure self-defence is no transgression. The little portion in my hands, Ry good security on lands, Is well increas'd. If unawares My justice to myself and heirs Hath let my debtor rot in jail, For want of good sufficient bail ; If I by writ, or bond, or deed, Reduc'd a family to need. My will hath made the world amends ; My hope on charity depends. When I am nnmber'd with the dead. And ail my pious gifts are read, Ry heav'n aad earth 'twill then be known My charities were amply shown.

An angel came. Ah, friend I he cried. No more in flatt'ring hope confide. * Can thy good deeds in former times Outweigh the balance of thy crimes ? What widow or what orphan prays To crown thy Hfe Avith length of days ? A pious action's in thy pow'r. Embrace with joy the happy hour: Now, while you draw the vital air, Prove your intention is sincere : This instant give a hundred pound ; Your neighbours want, and you abound.

Rut why such haste ? the sick man Avhines ; Who knows as yet what heav'n designs.^ Perhaps I may recover still : . That sum and more are in my will.

FABLES BY JOHN GAY.

Fool, says tLe vision, tM)w 'tis plain, Your life, your soul, your hcav'n ^Ya3 gain. From ev'rv side, with all your might. You scrap'd and scrap'd beyond your right; And after death would fain atone. By giving what is not your own.

While there is life, there's hope, he cried; Then why such haste? So groau'd, and died.

>.-V-W%'*'V»

FABLE XXVIII.

THE PERSIAN, THE SUN, AND THE CLOUD.

J.S there a bard whom genius fires, Whose ev'ry thought the god inspires ? When envy reads the nervous lines. She frets, she rojls, she raves, she pines; Her hissiu!? snakes with venom swell ; She calls her venal train from hell: TSie seiviie fiends her nod obey. And all Curl's authors are in pay ; Fame calls up calumny and spile : Thus shadow owes its birth to light.

As prostrate to the god of day. With heart devout, a l*crsian lay, His Luvocatioii thus begun :

Parent of ligli!, all-seeing sun, rrolillckbeam. whose rays dispense The various gifts of Providence, Accept our jiraisc, our daily pray'r, vSmile on our fields, and bless «he year.

A cloudy uho mockd his grateful tongue, The day with sudden darkness hung ;

PART THE FIRST. 53

"With pride and envy swell'd, aloud A voice thus thunder'd from the cloud :

Weak is this gaudy god of thine, Whom I at will forbid to shine. Shall I, nor vows, nor incense know ? Where praise is due, the praise bestow.

With fervent zeal the Persian mov'd Thus the proud calumny reprov'd. It was that god, who claims my pray t. Who gave thee birth, and rais'd thee there ; Wiien o'er his beams the veil is thrown, Thy substance is but plainer shown. A ])assing gale, a puff of wind, Dispels thy thickest troops combiu'd.

The gale arose ; the vapour tost The sport of winds in air was lost, The glorious orb the day refines. Thus envy breaks, thus merit shines.

FABLE XXIX.

THE FOX AT THE POINT OF DEATK.

jr\. FOX, in life's extreme decay, Weak, sick, and faint, expiring Jay ; All appetite had left his maw, And age disarm'd his mumbling jaw. His num'rous race around him stand 'J'o learn their dying sire's command : He rais'd his head with whining moan, And thus was heard the feebJe tone :

Ah, sons ! from evil vrays depart : My crimes lie heavy on my he?.rt.

54 FABLES RY JOHN GAY.

See, see, the murder' d geese appear ! Why are those b'eediug trrkeys there? Why all around this cackLng train, Who haunt my ears for chickens slain?

The hungry foxes round tLem star'd. And for the promis'd feast prej-arM.

Where, Sir, is all this dainty cheer? Nor turkey, goo^e, nor hen is h( re. These are the phantoms of yonr brain. And your sons lick their lips in vain.

O gluttons I says the drooping sire, Restrain inordinate desire. Yout'liqu'rish taste yon shall deplore. When peace of conscience is no more. Does not the hound betray our pace. And gins aad guns destroy our race? Thieves dread the searching eye of pow'r, And never feel the quiet hour. Old age , which few of us shall know, Now puts a period to my woe. Would you true happiness attain? Let honesty your passions rein. So live iu credit and esteem, And , the good name you lost, redeem.

The counsel's good, a fox replies, Could we perform what you advise. Think what our ancestors have done : A line of thieves from son to son : To us descends the long disgrace. And infamy hath mark'd our race. Though we, like harmless sheep, should feed Honest in thought, in word, and deed , Whatever hen-roost is dccreas'd,' We shall be thought to share the feast. The cha nrre shall never be believ'd :

PART THE FIRST.

Nay, tlien, replies the feeble fox. But hark ! I hear a hen that clocks : Go, but be moderate in your food ; A chicken too raisht do me £;ood.

FABLE XXX.

THE SETTIJfG-DOG AND THE TARTRIDcE-

X II E ranging dog the stubble tries, " And searches ev'ry breeze that flies ; The scent grows -svarm ; with cautious fear He creeps, and points the covey near ; lUk- The men, in silence, far behind, ^^

Conscious of game, the net unbind.

A ;)artridge, with experience wise. The fraudful pr< paration spies : She mocks their toils, alarms her brood; The covey springs, and seeks the wood ; But, ere her certain wing she tries, Thus to the creeping spaniel cries : Thou fawning slave to man's deceit, Thou pimp of lux'ry, sneaking cheat. Of thy whole species thou disgrace. Dogs should diso .n thee of their race ! For if I judge their native parts. They're bora with open honest hearts ; And, ere they s.^rv'd man's wicked ends. Were gen'rous foes, or real friends.

When thus the dog, with scornful smile : Secure of wing, thou dar'st revile. Clowns are to polish'd manners blind ; How ignorant 's the rustick mind !

5t) FABLES BY JOHN GAY.

My worth sagacious courtiers see, And to prefermeut rise, like me. The thriving pimp, who beauty sets. Hath oft enhance! a nation's debts: Friend sets his friends without regard ; And ministers his skill reward : Thus traiu'd by man, I learnt his ways, And growing favour feasts my days.

I might have guess'd, the partridge said, The place where you were trained and fed : Servants are apt, and in a trice Ape to a hair their master's vice. You came from court, you say. Adieu, She said, and to the covey flew.

FABLE XXXI.

THE UNIVERSAL APPARITION.

A- R A K E, by cv'ry passion rul'd, ^Vith ev'ry vice his yoiilli had cool'd ; Disease his laiuted blood assails ; His spirits droop, bis vigour fails : With secret ills at home he pines, And, like inllim oUl age, declines.

As, twing'd with pain, he pensive sits. And raves, and prays, and swears liy llts ; A gbastly phantom, U^an and wan. Before him rose, and thus began:

My name, perhaps, bath reach'd your car Attend, and ])e advis'd by Care : Nor love, nor honour, wealth, nor pow'r. Can give the heart a cheerful hour,

PART THE FIRST. When health is lost. Be timely wise : With health all taste of pleasure flies.

Thus said, the phantom disappears. The wary counsel \".ilv'd his fears: He now from all excess abstains, With physick purilies his veins ; And, to procure a sober life, Resolves to venture on a wife.

But now again the sprite ascends. Where -e'er he walks his ear attends; Insinuates that beauty's frail. That perseverance must prevail; With jealousies his brain inflames, And whispers all her lovers' names. In other hours, she represents His household charge, his annual rents. Increasing debts, perplexing duns, And nothing for hisi. younger sons.

Strait all his thoughts to gain he turns, And with the thirst of lucre burns. But when possess'd of fortune's store. The spectre haunts him more and more ; Sets want and misery in view, Bold thieves, and all the murd'ring crew; Alarms him with eternal frights. Infests his dream. or wakes his nights. How shall he chase this hideous guest.'' Pow'r may perhaps protect his rest. To pow'r he rose. Again the sprite Besets him morning, noon, and night ; Talks of ambition's tott'ring seat, How envy persecutes the great, Of r.val hate, of trf ach'rous friends, And what disgrace his fall attends.

The court he quits to fly from Care, And seeks the peace of rural air :

58 FABLES BY JOHN GAY.

His groves, liis fields, amus'd his hours ; He prun'd his trees, he rais'd his flow'rs. But Care again his steps pursues, Warns him of blasts, <; blighting dews. Of plundering insects, snails, and rains, And droughts that starve the laboured plains. Abroad, at home, the spectre's there; In vain we seek to fly from Care.

At length he thus the ghost addj'est : Since thou must be my constant guest. Be kind, and follow me no inore ; For Care by right should go before.

FABLE XXXII.

THE TWO OWLS AND THE SPARROW.

JL WO formal owls together sat, Conferring thus in solemn chat ; How is the modei'n tasti^ decay'd ! Where's the respect to wisdom faid ? Our worth the Grecian sages knew ; They :;ave our sires the honour due : They weigh'd the dignity of fowls, And pried into the depth of owls. Athens, the seat of learned fame. With geu'ral voire rever'd ourname ; On merit title was conferr'd, And all ador'd th' Athenian bird.

Brother, you reason well, replies The solemn mate, with lialf-shut eyes ; Right. Athens was the seat of learning. And truly wisdom is discerning.

PARr THE FIRST. 5^

Resides, on Pallas' helm we sir,* The type and ornameat of wit : Bat now, alas I we're quite neglected, And a pert sparrow's more respected.

A sparrow, who was lodi^'d beside, O'erhears them sooth each other's pride, And thus he nimbly vents his heat :

Who meets a fool must lind conceit. I grant, you were at Athens'grac'd, And on Minerva's helm were plac'd ; Rut ev'ry bird that wings the sky, Except an owl, can tell you why. From hence they taught thfeir schools to Inov/ How false we judge by outward show ; That we should never looks esteem. Since fools as wise as you might seem. Woidd ye contempt and scorn avoid, Let your vain glory be destroy'd : Humble your arrogance of thought. Pursue the ways by nature taught ; So shall ye f»nd delicious fare. And grateful farmers praise your care ; So shall sleek mice your chase reward, And no keen cat find niore regard.

FABLE XXXIII.

THE r.OUrvTIER A>"D PROTELS.

w,

hene'er a courtier's out of place. The country shelters his disgrace; WTierc, iloora'd to exercise and health. His house and gardens own his A\d5iih.

6o FABLES BY JOHN GAY.

He builds new schemes , in hope to gain i

The plunder of another reign ; i!

Like Philip's son, would fain be doing, |!

And sighs for other realms to ruin. .*'

As one of these , without his wand , i

Pensive along the winding strand, !

Employ'd the solitary hour

In projects to regain his pow'r ; \.

The waves in spreading circles ran, \';

Proteus arose, and thus began : il

Came you from court ? For in your mien jl

A self-important air is seen. i

He frankly oWn'd his friends had trick'd him, : And how he fell his party's victim.

Know, says the god, by matchless skill ',\

I change to ev'ry shape at will ; But yet, I'm told at court you see Those who presume to rival me. !

Thus said. A snake with hideous trail, Proteus extends his scaly mail. ;

Know, says the man, though proud in place, ;; All courtiers are of reptile race. Like you they take that dreadful form, Bask in the sun, and fly the storm ; With malice hiss, with envy glote, '

And for convenience change their coat; I

With new-got lustre rear their head, J

Though on a dunghill born and bred.

Sudden the god a lion stands ; !

He shakes his mane, he spurns the sands ; i

Now a lierce lynx, with lieiy glare, A wolf, an ass. a fox, a bear.

Had I ne'er liv'd at court, he cries, !

Such transformation mijjlit surprise; But there, in quest of daily game, , .Each able courtier acts the same.

PART THE FIRST. 6i ]

Wolves , lions , lynxes, wliile in place, ' Their friends and fellows are their chase. They play the hear's and fox's part;

Now roh hy force, now steal with art. 1

They sometimes in the senate bray ; J

Or, chang'd again to beasts of prey, j Down from the lion to the ape, ■ i

Practise the frauds of ev'ry shape. ■

So said. Upon the god he flies, '

In cords the struggling captive ties. J Now Proteus, now, to truth compell'd, Speak, and confess thy art excell'd.

Use strength, surprise, or what you will, \

The courtier finds evasions still : j

Not to be bound by any ties, i

And never fore' d to leave his Lies. J

FABLE XXXIV.

TUE MASTIFFS.

JL uosE who in quarrels interpose, Must often wipe a bloody nose.

# A mastiff, of true english blood, Lov'd lighting better than his food. When dogs were snarling for a bone, He long'd to make the war his own, And o.'len found, when two contend, To interpose obtain'd his end : He glory'd in his limping pace ; \ The scars of honour seam'd his face : In ev'ry limb a gash appears. And frequent fi.ehts rctrench'd his cars.

0

62 TABLES BY JOHN GAY.

As, on a time, he heard from far Two dogs engag'd in noisy war. Away he scours, and lays about him, Resolv'd no fray should be without him.

Forth from his yard a tanner flies. And to the bold intruder cries:

A cudgel shall correct your manners. Whence sprung this cursed hate to tanners? While on my dog you vent your spite, Sirrah! 'tis me you dare not bite.

To see the battle thus perplex'd. With equal rage a butcher vex'd, Hoarse-scx'eaming from the circled crowd. To the curs'd Mastiff cries aloud :

Both Hockley-hole and Mary-bone The combats of my dog have known. He ne'er, like bullies coward-hearted, . Attacks in publick ,to be parted. Think not, rash fool, to share his fame ; Be his the honour or the shame.

Thus said, they swore and rav'd like thunder : Then dragg'd their fasten'd dogs asundt-r - W^hile clubs and kicks from ev'ry side Rebounded from the mastifl's hide.

All reeking now witb sweat and blood. Awhile the parted warriors stood, Then pour'd upon the meddling foe ; Who, worry' d, howl'd, and sprawl'd below. He rose; and, limping from the fray. By both sides mangled, sneak'd away.

PART THE FIRST. 65

FABLE XXX V/

THE BARLEY-MOW AND THE DUNGHILL.

Jtlow maay saucy airs we meet

From Temple-bar to Aldgate street .'

Proud rogues, who shar'd the soulh-sea prey,

And sprung hke mushrooms in a day !

They think it mean to condescend

To know a brother or a friend ;

They blush to hear their mother's name,

And by their pride expose their shame.

As cross his yard, at early day, « A careful farmer took his way, He stop'd; and, leaning on his fork, Observ'd the flail's incessant work. In thought he measur'd all his store. His geese, his hogs, he number'd o'er ; In fancy weigh'd the fleeces shorn. And multiplied the next year's corn.

A barley-mow, which stood beside, Thus to its musing master cried :

Say, good Sir, is it lit, or right. To treat me wnth neglect and slight? Me, who contribute to your cheer. And raise your mirth with ale and beer.' Why thus insulted, thus disgrac'd. And that vile dunghill near me plac'd ? Are those poor sweepings of a groom, That filthy sight, that nauseous fume. Meet objects here? Command it hence .' A thing so mean must give offence.

64 FABLES BY JOHN GAY.

The humble Dunghill thus replied : Thy master hears and mocks thy pride : Insult not thus the meek and low ; In me thy benefactor know ; My warm assistance £>ave thee birth. Or thou hadst perish 'd low in earth. But upstarts, to support their station, Cancel at once all oblisfation.

FABLE XXXVI.

TTTHAGORAS AKD THE COUNTRYMAir.

jrYTHA.G'RAs Tose at early dawn,

By soaring meditation drawn.

To breathe the fragrance of the day.

Through flow'ry licids he took his way.

In musing contemjdation warm,

His steps misled him to a farm.

Where on the ladder's topmost round

A peasant stood ; the hammer's sound

Shook the we»k barn. Say, friend, what cai

Calls for thy honest labour there ?

The clown with surly voice replies, Vengeance aloud for justice cries. This kite, by daily rapine fed, My hens' annoy, my turkeys' dread. At length his forfeit life hath paid ; See on the wall his wings display'd, Here naii'd, a terroi' to his kind. My fowls shall future safety find : My yard the thriving })Oultry feed. And my barn's refuse fat the breed.

PART THE FIRST. 65

Friend, says the sage, the doom is wise : For puhhck good the raurd'rer dies, iiut if these tyraats of the air Demand a sentence-so severe, Think how the glutton man devours ; What bloody feasts regale his hours ! O impudence of pow'r and might , Thus to condemn a hawk or kite, When thou perhaps, carniv'rous sinner, Hadst pullets yesterday for dinner !

Hold, cried the clown, with passion heated, Shall kites and men aUke be treated ? When heav'n the world with creatures stor'd, Man was ordain'd their sov'reign lord.

Thus tyrants boast, the sage replied , Whose murders spring from pow'r and pride. Own then this manUke kite is slain Thy greater lux'ry to sustain; For « Petty rogues submit to fate, « That great ones may enjoy their state, (i) »

FABLE XXXVII,

TaE farmer's wife and the ravlx.

V V HY are those tears .^ Why droops your head.' Is then your other husband dead? Or does a worse disgrace betide ? Hath no one since his death applied?

Alas ! you know the cause too well : The salt is spilt, to me it fell.

(i) Garth's dispensary.

65 FABLES BY JOHN GAY.

Then to contribute to my loss, My knifeand fork were laid across ; Oa friday too .' the day I dread ; Would I were safe at home iij bed ! Last uight ( I vow to heav'n 'tis true ) Bounce from the fire a coffin flew ; Next post some fatal news shall tell, God send my Coriiisli friends be well ! Unhnppy widow, cease thy tears, • Nor feel afiliction in thy fears ; Let not thy stomach be suspended ; Eat now, and weep when dinner's ended ; And, when the butler clears the table, Tor thy desert I'll read my f;\ble.

Betwixt her swagginjj pannier's load A farmer's wife to market rode. And, jogging on, with thoughtful care Summ'd up the profits of her wr.re ; When, starting from her silver dream. Thus far and wide v,as heard her scre;;m.

That raven on yon left-hand oak ( Curse on his ill-betiding croak ) Bodes rae no good. No more she said, When poor blind Ball, with stumbling tread^ Fell prone; o'erturu'd the pannier lay, And her mash'd eggs bestrevv'd the way.

She, sprawling in the yellow road, Rail'd, swore, and curs'd. Thou croaking load, A murrain take thy whoreson throat ! I knew misfortune in the note.

Dame, quoth the Raven, spare your oaths, Uuclench your fist, and wipe your cloaths. But why on me those curses thrown .'' Goody, the fault was all your own ;

PART THE I IP^ST. Cn

For had vou laid this brittle ware

On Dun, the old sure-lootcd mare.

Though all the ravens of the hundred.

With croaking had your tongue out-ihundor'J,

Sure-footed Dun had kept her legs ,

And you, good woman, sav'd your eggs.

FABLE XXXYIII.

THE TURKEY AXD THE A>'T.

±N other men we faults can spy. And blame the mote that dims their eye, Each httle speck and blemish lind, To our own stronger errors blind.

A turkey, tir'd of common food, Forsook the barn, and sought the wood ; Behind her ran her infant train. Collecting here and there a grain. Draw near, my birds, the mother cries, This hill delicious fare sup])lies ; Behold, the busy negro race, See, millions blacken all the place ! Fear not : like me with freedom eat • An ant is most dehghtful meat. How bless'd, how envy'd were our life . Could we but 'scape the pottlt'rer's knife J But man,curs'd man, on turkeys prcvs, And Christmas shortens all our days : Sometimes with ovster:- we combine, Sometimes assist the sav'ry chine ;

6S FABLES BY JOHN GAY.

From the low peasant to the lord, The turkey smokes on ev'ry board. Sure men for gluttony are curs'd, Of the sev'n deadly sins the worst.

An ant, who climb'd beyond her reach, Thus answer'd from the neighh'ring beech Ere you remark another's sin, Bid thy own conscience look within : Controul thy more voracious bill. Nor for a breakfast nations kill.

»,'».%.'«/»;v»/».*-k'».

FABLE XXXIX.

THE FATHER AND JUPITER.

J. HE man to Jove his suit preferr'd ; He begg'd a wife. His pray'r was heard. .Tove wonder'd at his bold addressing : For how precarious is the blessing .'

A wife he takes. And now for heir» Again he worries heav'n with pray'rs. .love nods asseut. T\^o hopeful boys And a line girl reward his joys.

Now'raore solicitous he grew, And set their future live *]u view ; He saw that all respect and duty Were paid to wealth, to pow'r, and beauty.

Once more he cries. Accept my pray'r : Make my lov'd progeny thy care. Let my lirst hope, my fav'rite boy, A.11 fortune's richest gifts enjoy. My next with strong ambition fire : May favour teach him to aspire ;

PART THE i HIST. Gy

Till he llie step of povv'r ascend. And courtiers to their idol bend. With ev'ry grace, with ev'ry charm. My daughter's perfect features arm. If heav'n approve, a father's blest, Jove smiles, and grants his full request.

The first, a raiser at the heart, Studious of ev'ry giiping art, Heaps hoards on hoards with anxious pain , And ail his life devotes to gain. He feels no [oy , his cares increase, He neither wakes nor sleeps in jicace ; In fancy'd want ( a wretch complete ) He starves, and yet he dares not eat.

The next to sudden honours grew : The thriving art of courts he knew : He reach' d the height of pow'r and place ; Then fell the victim of disgrace. Beauty with early bloom supplies His daughter's check, and points her eyes. The vain coquette each suit disdains , And glories in her lover's pains. With age she fades, e?ch lover flies, Contemn' d, forlorn, she pines and dies.

When Jove the father's grief survey 'd, And heard him heav'n and fate upbraid, Thus spoke the God : P.y outward show. Men judge of happiness and woe : Shall ignorance of good and ill Dare to direct th' eternal wilL^ Seek virtue ; and of that possest, To Providence resign the rest.

FABLES RY JOHN GAY.

i.-V».^/»<^%.7

FABLE XL.

THE TWO MONKEYS.

± HE learned, full of inward pride, The fops of outward show deride ; The fop, with learning' at defiance, Scoffs at the pedant and the science : The Don, a formal, solemn strutter, Despises Monsieur's airs and flutter; While Monsieur mocks the formal fool, Who looks, and speaks, and walks by rule. Britain, a medley of the twain, As pert as France, as grave as Spain , In fancy wiser than the rest. Laughs at them both, of both the jest. Is not the Poet's chiming close Censur'd by all the sons of prose .•* While bards of quick imagination Despise the sleepy prose uarratibn. Men laugh at apes , they men contemn ; For what are we but apes to them.^*

Two monkeys went to Southwarkfair,

No criticks had a sourer air :

They forc'd their way through draggled folks.

Who gaji'd to catch Jack-pudding's jokes;

Then took their tickets for the show,

And got by chance the foremost row.

To see their grave observing face

Provok'd a laugh through all the place.

Brother, says pug, and turn'd his head. The rabble's monstrously ill bred.

PART THE FIRST. 71

Now through the booth loud hisses ran, Nor ended till the show began. The tumbler whirls the flip-flap round, With somersets he shakes the ground ; The cord beneath the dancer springs : Aloft in air the vaulter swings ; Distorted now, now prone depends. Now through his twistell arms ascends : The crowd, in wonder and delight. With clapping hands applaud the sight.

With smiles, quoth pug : If pranks hke these The giant apes of reason please. How would they wonder at our arts .' They must adore us for our parts. High on the twig I've seen you cling ; Play, twist and turn,' in airy ring : How can those clumsy things, like me, Fly with a bound from tree to tree.^ But yet, by this applause, we find These emulators of our kind Discern our worth, our parts regard. Who our mean mimicts thus reward. Brother, the grinning mate replies, In this I grant that man is wise. While good example they pursue. We must allow some praise is due ; But. when they strain beyond their guide, I lau.ofh to scorn the mimick pride. For how fantastick is the sight, To meet men always bolt upright, Becaus« we sometimes walk on tViO ? I hate the imitaling crew.

72 FABLES BY JOHN GAY.

FABLE XLI.

THE OWL AND T3E FARMER.

XX N owl of grave deport and uiien,

Who , like the Turk, was seldom seen,

Within a barn had chose his station,

As iit for prey and contemplation.

Upon a beam aloft he sits.

And nods, and seems to think hy fits :

So have I seen a man of news.

Or post-hoy, or gazette peruse ;

Smoke, nod, arid talk with voice profound,

And iix the fate of Europe round.

Sheaves pil'd on sheaves hid all the floor : At dawn of morn , to view his store The farmer came. The hooting guest His self-importance thus exprest :

Reason in man is mere pretence ; How weak, how shallow is his sense .' To treat with »^corn the bird of night, Declares his folly or his spite. Then, too, how partial is his praise J The lark's, the linnet's chirping lays To his ill-judging cars are fine ; And nightingales are all divine. But the more knowing feather'd race See wisdom stamp'd upon my face. Whene'er to visit light I deign. What flocks of foAvl compose my train .' Like slaves, they And own me of superior kind.

PART THE FIRST. The farmer laugh'd, and thus replied : Thou dull important lump of pride, Dar'st tliou vvith that liarsh grating tongue Depreciate birds of warbling song ? Indulge thy spleen. Know, men and fowl Regard thee, as thou art, an owl. Besides, proud blockhead, be not vain Of what thou call'st thy slaves and train. Few follow wisdom or her rules ; Fools in derision follow fools.

FABLE XLII.

THE JUGGLERS.

A. JUGGLER long through all the town Had rais'd his fortune and renown ; You'd think ( so far his art transcends ) The devil at his lingers' ends.

Vice heard his fame, she read his bill ; Conviuc'd of his inferior skill, She sought his booth, and from the crowd Defied the man of art aloud.

Is this then he so fam'd for slight ? Can this slow bungler cheat your sight ? Dares he with me dispute the prize ? I leave it to impartial eyes.

Provok'd, the juggler cried: 'Tis done: In science I submit lo none.

Thus said. The cups and balls he play'd P)y turns, this here, that there, convev'd. The cards, obedient to his words. Are by a fillip turn'd to birds. His little boxes change the grain : Trick after trick deludes the train.

'^^

\

FABLES BY JOHN GAY. He shakes his bag, he shews all fair; His imgers spread, and nothing there ; Then bids it rain with show'rs of gold. And now his iv'i y eggs are told. But, when from thence the hen he draws, Amaz'd spectators hum applause.

Vice now stept forth, and took the place With alt the forms of his grimace.

This magick looking-glass, she cries, ( There, hand it round) will charm > our eyes. Each eager eye the sight desir'd. And ev'ry man himself admir'd.

Next, to a senator addressing : See this bank-note ; observe the blessing. Breathe on the bill. Heigh, pass ! 'Tis gone. Upon his lips a padlock shown : A second puff the magick broke ; The padlock vanish VI and he spoke. Twelve bottles rang'd upon the board, All full, v/ith heady liquor stor'd. By clean conveyance disappear, xVnd now two bloody swords are there.

A purse she lo a thief expos'd ; At once his ready fingers clos'd : He opes his list, the treasure's Hed ; He sees a halter in its stead.

She bids ambition hold a wand ; He grasps a hatchet in his hand.

A box of charity she shows ; Blow here ; and a church-warden blows. 'Tis vanish'd with conveyance neat, And on the table smokes a treat.

She shakes the dice, the board she knocks, And from all pockets fills her box.

She next a- meagre rake add rest : This picture see ; her shape, her breast ;

PAKX Tfii: riRST. What youth, and what invitinff eyes I Hold her, and have her. With surprise, His hand expos'd a box of pills, Aud a loud laugh proclaim'd his ills.

A counter, in a misers hand, Grew twenty guiueas at command; She bids his heir the sum retain, And 'tis a counter now again.

A guinea with her touch you see Take ev'ry shape but charit\ ; And not one thing you saw, or drew, Rut chang'd from what was first in view.

The juggler, now in grief of heart, With this submission own'd her art. Can I such matchless slii;ht withstand ? How practice hath improv'd yoni' haud '. Rut now and then I cheat the throng, You ev'ry day, and all day long.

FABLE XLIII.

THE COU^CIL OF KORSES.

Lj PON a time a neighing steed, Who graz'd among a num'rous breed , AVith mutiny had fir'd the train. And spread dissention through the plain. On matters that concern'd the state The council met in grand debate. A colt, whose eye-balls fl.im'd willi ire, Elate with strength and youthful fire, In haste stept forth before the rest. And thus the list'ning throng addrest : Good gods ! how abject is our race,

FABLES BY JOHN GAY.

Sliall we our servitude retain, Because our sires have borne the chain i' Consider, friends, your strength and might : 'Tis conquest to assert your right. HoAV cumb'rous is the gikled coach .' The pride of man is our reproach. Were we design'd for daily toil, To drag the plongh-share through the soil.^ To sweat in harness through the road, To groan beneath the carrier's load i' How feeble are the two legg'd kind ! What force is in our nerves combin'd 1 Shall then our nobler jaws submit To foam and champ the galling bit? Shall haughty man my back bestride ? Shall the sharp spur provoke my side ? Forbid it heav'us I Reject the rein ; Your shame, your infamy disdain. Let him the lion first controui, And still the tyger's famish'd growl. Let us, like them, our freedom claim, And make him tremble at our name.

A gen'ral nod approv'd the cause. And all the circle neigh'd applause.

When, lo .' with grave and solemn pace, A steed advanc'd before the race. With a!:;e and long e.Yperience wise ; Around he cast his thoughtful eyes, And, to the murmurs of the train. Thus spoke the Nestor of the plain :

When ! had health and strength like you, The toils of servitude I knew. .Now grateful man rewards my pains, And gives me all these wide domains. At will I crop the year's increase ; My latter life is rest and peace.

PART THE FIRST. I fjraat to man we lend our pains. And aid him to correct the plains : But doth not he divide the care, Through all the labours of the year? How many thousand structures rise To fence us from inclement skies .' For us he bears the suhry day, » And stores up all our winter's hay. He sows, he reaps the harvest's gain ; We share the toil and share the grain. Since ev'ry creature was decreed To aid each other's mutual need, Ap];ease your discontented mind, Aud act the part by heav'n assign'd.

Tiie tumult ceasV.1. The colt submitted, And, like his ancestors, was bitted.

^ F A B L E X 1. 1 V.

THE H0T:?<rD A?fD THE nUXTSMAX.

Impertinence at first is borne With heedless slight, or smiles of scorn : Teaz'd into wrath, what patience bears The noisy fool who perseveres ?

The morning wakes, the hnutsman sounds At once rush forth the joyful houndr. They seek the wood with eag< r pace. Thro" bush, thro' bri'r, explore the cliace. ISow scatter'd wide they try the plain, And snuff the dewy turf in vain. What care, what industns what pains I What universal silence reigns !

FABLES BY JOHN GA.Y.

Riugwooil, a dog of little fame, Young, pert, and ignorant of game, At once displays his babbling throat ; The pack, regardless of the note. Pursue the scent ; with louder strain He still persists to vex the train.

The hujitsman to the clamour flies ; The smacking lash he smartly plies; His ribs all welk'd, with ho\\ling tone The puppy thus express'd his moan : I know the masick of my tongue Long since the pack with envy stun^r. What will not spite? These bitter smarts I owfl to my superior parts.

When puppies prate, the huntsman ci [cci They show both ignorance and pride : Fools may our scorn, not envy raise. For envy is a kind of praise. Had not thy forward noisy Tongue Proclaim'd thee always m the wrong. Thou might'st have mingled with the res'. , And ne'er thy foolish nose confcst. But fools, to talking ever prone. Are sure to make their follies known.

FABLE X L V.

THE PO£T ANTD THE ROSr.

I HA.TE the man who builds his name On ruins of another's fame. Thus prudes, by characters o'ertbrown, Imagine that they raise their own.

PART THE FIRST. 79

Thus scribblers, covetous of praise, Think slander can transplant the bays. Beauties and bards have equal pride, With both all rivals are decried. Who praises Lesbia's eyes and feature Must call her sister aukward creature ; For the kind flatt'ry's sure to charm. When we some other nymph disarm.

As in the cool of early day A poet sought the sweets of May, The garden's fragrant breath ascends, And ev'ry stalk with odour bends, A rose he pluck'd, he gaz'd, admir'd, Thus singing, as the muse inspir'd :

Go, rose, my Chloe's bosom grace :

How happy should I prove, Might I supply that envied place

With never-fading love I There, phcenix-like, beneath her eye, Involv'd in fragrance, burn and die 1

Know, hapless flow'r, that thou shalt find

More fragrant roses there ; I see thy wilh'ring head reclin'd

With euvy and despair ! One common fate we both must prove ; You die with envy, I with love.

Spare your comparisons, replied An angry rose, who grew beside. Of all mankind you should not flout us ; What can a poet do without us .' In ev'ry love-song roses bloom ; Wc lend you colour and perfume ;

8o TABLES BY JOHN GAY.

Does it to Chloe's charms conduce. To found her praise on our abuse ? Must we, to flatter her, be made To wither, envy, pine and fade?

FABLE XLVI.

THE CUR, THE HOUSE, AlfD THE SHEPHERd's DOG.

X u E lad of all-sufficient merit, With modesty ue'er damps his spirit; Presumina; on his own deserts. On all alike his tongue exerts ; Jlis noisy jokes at random throws. And pertly spatters friends and foes; In wit and war the bully race Contribute to theix own disgrace. Too late the forward youth shall find That j okes are sometimes paid in kind ; Or, if they canker in the breast. He makes a foe, who makes a jest.

A village-cur, of snappish race, The per^est puppy of the place, Imagin'd that his treble throat Was bless'd with musick's sweetest note; In the mid-road he basking lay, The yelping nuisance of the way ; l""or not a creature pass'd along But had a sample of his song.

Sooaas tVe trottiu:: steed he hears, He starts, he cocks his dap})er ears ; Away he scours, assaults his hoof: Now near him snarls, now barks aloof;

PART THE FIRST.

With shrill impertinence attends ; Nor leaves him till the village ends.

It chanc'd upon his evil day, A pad came paciug down the way : The cur, with never-ceasing tongue, Upon the passing trav'Icr sprung. The horse, from scorn provok'd to ire, Flung backward : rolling in the mire The puppy howl'd, and bleeding lay; The pad in peace pursu'd his way.

A shepherd's dog, v/ho saw the deed, Detesting the vexatious breed, Bespoke him thus : When coxcombs prate. They kindle wrath, contempt, or hate ; Thy teazing tongue had judgment tied. Thou hadst not, like a puppy, died.

FABLE XL VI I.

THE COURT OF DKATH.

D.

'eath, on a solemn night of state, In all his pomp of terror sate : Th' attendants of his gloomy reign. Diseases dire, a ghastly train , Crowd the vast court. With hollow tone, A voice tbus tbunder'd from the throne :

This night our minister we name. Let ev'ry servant speak his claim ; Merit shall bear this ebon wand. All, at the Avord, stretch'd forth their hand.

Fever, with burning heatpossest, Advanc'd, and for the wand addrest :

I to the weekly bills appeal. Let those express my fervent zeal ;

FABLES BY JOHN GAY.

On ev'ry slight occasion near, With violence I persevere.

Next Gout appears with limping pare, Pleads how he shifts from place to place : From head to foot how swift he flies, And ev'ry joint and sinew plies. Still working when he seems supprt st, A most tenacious stubborn guest.

A haggard spectre from the crew Crawls forth, and thus asserts his due : 'Tis I who taint the sweetest joy, And in the shape of Love destroy : My shanks, sunk eyes, and noseless face. Prove my pretension to the place.

Stone urg'd his ever-growing force: And next, Coasumption's meagre corse. With feehle \ oice, that scarce was heard. Broke with short coughs, his suit prcferr'd ; Let none object my lingering wj'.t, I gain, like I'abius, by delay ; Fatigue aiul weaken ev'ry foe By long attack, secure, though slow.

Plague represents his rajiid pow'r, Who thinn'tl a nation in an hour.

All spoke their claim, and hop'd the wand. Now expectation hushd the band; When thus the monarch from the throne :

Merit was ever nioJest known ; What, no Physician speak his right ! None here I but faes their toils requite. Let then Inteinj)'rance take the wand, Who lills with gold their zealous hand: You, Fever, Gout, and all the rest, Whom wary men, as foes, detest, Forego your claim ; no ir.ore pretend ; Intemp'ranoc is esteem'd a friend ;

PART THE FIRST. lie shares their mirth, their soci;'.! joys, And, as a courted ^uest, destroys: The charge on him must justly fall Who finds employment for you all.

FABLE X L V I I I.

THE GARDENER AND THE HOG.

A gA-Rd'ner, of peculiar taste, On a young hog his favour plac'd, Who fed not with the common herd ; His tray was to the hall preferr'd. He wallow'd underneath the hoard, Or in his master's chamber snord ; Who fondly stroak'd him ev'ry day. And taught him all the puppy's play. Where'er he went, the grunting friend Ne'er fail'd his pleasure to attend.

As on a time the loving pair Walk'd forth to tend the garden's care, The master thus address'd the swine :

My house , my garden, ail is thine. On turnips feast whene'er you please. And riot in my beans and pease ; If the pota toe's taste delights, Or the red carrot's sweet invites. Indulge thy morn and ev'ning hours, But let due care regard my flow'rs : My tulips are my garden's pride ; What vast expence those beds supplied .'

The hog, by chance. one morning roam'd Where with new ale the vessels foam'd. He munches now the steaming grains, Nou with full swill the lirjnor drains,

FABLES BY JOHN GAY. Intoxicating fumes arise; He reels, he rolls his winking eyes. Then stagg'ring thro' the garden scours. And treads down painted ranks of flow'rs. With delving snout he turns the soil. And cools his palate v/ith the spoil.

The master came, the ruin spied, Villain suspend thy rage, he cried. Hast thou, thou most ungrateful sot, My charge, my only charge forgot ;' What, all my flow'rs ! no more he said. But gaz'd and sigh'd, and hung his head.

The hog with stutt'ring speech returns : Explain, Sir, why your anger hums. See there, untouch'd, your tulips strown? For I devour'd the roots alone. At this the gard'ner's passion grows ; From oaths and threats he fell to hlows. The stuhborn brute the blows sustains ; Assaults his leg, and tears the veins.

Ah! foolish swain, too late you liud That sties were for such friends design'd ! Homeward he limps with painful pace, Betlecting thus on past disgrace. Whacherishes a brutal mate, Shall mourn the folly soon or late.

I A B L E X L I X.

THE MAN AND THE FLEA.

w,

lETHER on earth , in air, or main, Sure ev'ry thing alive is vain!

Does not the hawk all fowls survey. As destiu'd only for his prey?

PART THE FIRST. And do not tyrants, prouder things, Think men were bovn for slaves to kings?

When the crab views the pearly strands, Or Tagus bright with golden sands, Or crawls beside the coral grove, And hears the ocean roil above ; Nature is too profuse, says he, Who gave alBlhese to pleasure me I

When bord'ring pinks and roses bloom , And ev'r-v garden breathes perfume; When peaches glow with sunny dies ; Like Laura's cheek, when blushes rise ; When with huge lies the branches bend, When clusters from the vine depend ; The snail looks round on flow'r and tree, And cries. All these were made for me !

What dignity's in human nature .' Says man, the most conceited creature, As from a cliff he cast h^s eye. And view'd the sea and arched sky ; The sun was sunk beneath the main ; The moon, and ail the stairy train, Hung the vast vault of heav'n. The man His contemplation thus began :

When I behold this glorious show, And the wide wat'ry world below, The scaly people ofthe main. The beasts that range the wood or plain. The wing'd inhabitants of air. The day. the night, the various year. And know all these by heav'n dcsJgn'd As gifts to pleasure human kind ; I cannot raise my worth too high ; Of what vast consequence am I .'

Not of th' importance you suppose, B.epUes a flea upon his nose.

S

FABLES P>Y JOHN GAY. Be humble, learn tliyself to scan; Know, pride was nevev made for man. 'Tis vanity that swells thy mind. What heav'n and earlh for thee designM For thee, made only for our need , Thnt mor.j important fleas might feed.

F ABLE L.

THE H.VRE AND MANY FRIENDS.

J? RiENDSHip, like love, is hut a name, Unless taouc you stint the flame. The child whom many fathers share, Hath seldom known a father's care. 'Tis thus in friendships ; who depend On many, rarely find a friend.

A hare, who in a civil way. Complied with ev'ry thing, like Gay, Was known by all the bestial train >Vho haunt the wood or graze the plain. Her care was never to offend ; And ev'ry creature wa^ her friend.

As forth shfe went at early dawn. To taste the dew-besprinkled lawu, J'chind she hears the liunter's cries, And from the deep-mouth'd thunder flies. She starts, she slops, she pants for breath ; She hears the near advance of death ; She doubles to mislead the hound, And measures back her mazy round ; Till, fainting in the ])ublick way. Half dead with fear she gasping lay.

PART THE IircST. What transport in her bosom grew, W'heu first the hoi'se appear'd in view I

Let me, says she, your back ascecd, And owe my safety to a friend. You know my feet betray my flif;ht : To friendship ev'ry burden's light.

The horse replied, poor honest pus."-, It grieves my heart to see thee thus. Be comforted, relief is near ; For all your friends are in the rear.

She next the stately bull iniplor'd ; And thus replied the mighty lord : Since ev'ry beast alive can tell That I sincerely wish you well, I may, without offence, pretend To take the freedom of a friend : Love calls me hence ; a fav'rite cow Expects me near yon barley-mow ; And when a lady's in the case, You know all other things give place. To leave you thus might seem unkind ; But see, the goat is inst behind.

The goat remark'd her pulse was higb, Her languid head, her heavy eye. My back, says he, may do you harm ; The sheep's at hand, and wool is warm.

The sheep was feeble, and complain' d His sides a load of wool sustain'd : Said he was slow, confess'd his fears ; For hounds eat sheep as well as hares.

She now the trotting calf address'd. To save from death a friend distressed.

Shall I, says he, of ttnder age. In this important care engage i' Older and abler pass'd you by ; How strong are those .' how weak am I !

FABLES BY JOHN GAY. Should I presume to bear you hence, Those friends of mine may take offence. Excuse me then ; vou know my heart : But dearest friends, alas ! must part. How shall we all lament ! Adieu : For see the hounds are just in view.

END OF TART THE FIRST.

FABLES.

PART THE SECOND.

A.DVERTISEMENT.

These fables were finished by Mr. Gay, and iulended lor the presi, a short time before his death; wlien they were left, with his other papers, to the care of his noble friend and patron the duke of Queensberry. His (Irace has accordingly committed them to tlie press, and they vrere printed from tlie originals in tlie author's own hand-writing. We hope they will please equally with liis former fables, though mostly on sub- jects of a graver and more political turn. They will certainly show him to have been, wliat he esteemed the best character, « a man of a truly honest heart, and « a sincere lover of his country. »

FABLE I.

THE DOG AND THE FOX.

To a Lawyer.

X Know yoa lawyers can, with ease. Twist words and meanings as you please : That language, by your skill made piiaat, Will bend to favour ev'ry client ; That 'tis the fee directs the sense. To make out either side's pretence. When you peruse the clearest case, You see it with a double face :

90

FABLES BY JOHN GAT.

For scepticism is your profession ;

You hold there's doubt in all expression.

Hence Is the bar with fees supplied, Hence eloquence takes either side. Your hand would have but j)aitrr gleaning, Could ev'ry man ex})ress his meaning. Who dares [)rcsume to pen a deed, Unless you previously are fee'd? 'Tis drawn ; and to augment the cost, In dull prolixity engrost. And now we're well secur'd Lt law. Till the next brother find a flaw.

Read o'er a will. Was't ever kno^vtl, But you could make the will your own ? For when you read, 'tis with intent To find out meanings never meant. Since things are thus , se ilefcndendo^ I bar fallacious innuendo.

Sagacious Porta's skill could trace Some beast or bird in ev'ry face : The head, the eye, the nose's shape, Prov'd this an owl, and that an ape : When, in the sketches thus design'd. Resemblance brings some friend to mine, You show the piece, and give the hint, And fiad each feature in the print; So monstrous like the portrait's found. All know it, and the laugh goes round. Like him I draw from geu'ral nature : Is't I or you then fix the satire .•*

So, Sir, I beg you spare your pains In making comments on my strains. All private slander I detest, I judge not of my neighbour's breast: Party and prejudice I hate, And write no libels on the ';tate.

PART THE SECOND. <)i

Shall not my Fable censure vice, Because a knave is over nice ? And lest the guilty hear and dread, Shall not the decalogue Le ix;ad ? If I lash vice in gen'ral fiction, Is't I apply, or self-conviction ? Brutes arc my theme. Am I to blame. If men in morals are the same.^ I no man call an ape or a.ss ; 'Tis his ov/n conscience holds the glass. Thus void of all offence I write : Who claims the fable, knov/s his right.

A shepherd's dog, unskili'd iu sports , Pick'd up acquaintance of all sorts : Among the rest a fox he knew ; By frequent chat their friendship grew.

Says Reynard, 'Tis a cruel case, That man should stigmatize our race. No doubt, among us rogues you find, As among dogs and human kind. And yet , unknown to me and you , There may be honest men and true. Thus slander tries whate'er it can. To put us on the foot with man. Let ray own actions recrmmend ; No prejudice can blind a friend: You know me free from all disguise ; My honour as my life I prize;

By talk like this, from ail mistrust The dog was cur'd, and thought him just.

As on a time the fox held forth On conscience, honesty, and worth. Sudden he stopt ; he cock'd his ear ; Low dropt his brushy tail with fear.

Bless us ! the hunters are abroad. What's all that clatter on the road ?

FABLES liY .JOHN GAY.

Hold, says the dog, we're safe from harin, 'Twas nothing but a fajse alarm ; At yonder town 'tis uiarket-day; Some farmer's wife is on the way; 'Tis so , I know her pye-ball'd mare , Daine Dobbins with her poultry ware.

Reynard jijrew huff. Says he. This sneer. From you I little thought to hear ; Your meaning in your looks I see. Pray what's dame Dobbins, friend, to me ? Did I e'er make her poultry thinner? Prove that I owe the dame a dinner.

Friend, quoth the cur, I meant no harm : Then why so captious ? why so wai'in ? r>Iy wonls, in common acceptation, Could never give this provocation. ISo lamb , for aught I ever knew, May be more innocent than you. At this, gaird Reynard winch'd and swore Such language ne'er was giv'n before. What's lamb to me? The saucy hint Shews me, base knave, which way you sqaiut. If t'other night your master lost Three lambs, a m [ to pay the cost ? Your vile reflections would imply That I'm the thief. You dog, you lie. Thouluiave, thou fool, the doj; replied, The name is-just, take either side; Thy guilt these applications speak: Sirrah, 'tis conscience makes you squeak.

So saying, on the fox he Ihes. The self-convicted felon dies.

PART THE S ECO rsD. (,3

FABLE II.

THE VULTURE, THE SPARROW, AJTD OTHFR BIRDS.

To a friend in the country.

XiiRE I begin, I must premise Our ministers are good and wise ; So, thougli malicious tongues apply. Pray, what care they, or what care I ?

If I am free with courts; he't known, I ne'er presume to mean our own. If general morals seem to joke On ministers, and such like folk, A captious fool may take offence ; What then ? He knows his own pretence. I meddle Avith no state-affairs. But spare my jest to save my ears. Our present schemes are too profound For Machiavel himself to sound : To censure 'em I've no pretension ; I own they're past my comprehension .

You say your brother wants a place, ( 'Tis many a younger brother's case,) And that he very soon intends To ply the court, and teaze his friends. If there his merits chance to find A patriot of an open mind. Whose constant actions prove him just To both a king's and people's trust ; May hf, with gratitude, attend, And owe his rise to such a friend.

94 FABLES BY JOHN GAY.

You praise his parts For bus'ness lit, His learning:, probity, and wit; But those alone will never do, Unless his.patron have 'em too. I've heard of times , (pvay God defend us, We're not so good but he can mend us) When wicked ministers have trod On kings and people, law and God ; With arrogance they girt the throne. And knew no int'rest J^ut their own. Then virtue, from preferment barr'd, Gets nothing but its own reward. A gang of pttty knaves attend 'em. With proper parts to recommend 'cm. Then if his patron burn with lust, The first in favour's pimp the first. His doors are never c'.os'd to spies. Who cheer his heart with double lies ; They flatter him. his foes defame, So lull the pangs of guilt and shame. If schemes of lucre haunt his brain, Projectors swell his greedy train: Vile brokers ply his private eav With jobs of plunder for the year ; All consciences must bend and ply ; You must vote on, and not know why : Through thick and thin you must go on ; One scruple, and your place is gone. Since plagues like these have curs'd a land. And fav'rites cannot always stand; (rood courtiers shonld for change be read^, And not have principles too bteady : For should a knave engross the pow'r, (God shield the realm from that sad hour) He must have rogues, or slavish fools ; I'or what's a knave without his tools.''

PART THE SECOND.

Wherever those a people drain, Aad strut with infamy and gain; I envy not their guilt and state, And scorn to share the publick hate. Let their own servile creatures rise, I'y screening fi-aud and venting lies : Give nie, kind heav'n, a private station, A mind serene for contemplation: Title and profit I resign ; The post of honour shall be mine. I\ly fable read, their merits view, Then herd who will with suoh a crew.

In days of yore, (my cautious rhimes Always except the present times ) A greedy vulture, sldll'd in gamfe, Inur'd to guilt, unaw'd by shame, Approach' d the throne in evil hour, And step by step intrudes to pow'r : When at the royal eagle's ear. He longs to ease the monarch's care. The monarch grants. V/ilh pride elate, Bi-huld him minister of state .' Around him throng the feather'd rout ; Friends must be serv'd, and some must out. Each thinks his own the best pretension ; This asks a place, and that a pension : The nightingale was set aside; A forward daw his room supplied.

This bird , says he, for bus'ness fit, Hath both sagacity and w it. ^yith all his turns, and shifts, and liicl.s, He's docile, and at nothing sticks. Then with his neighbour s one so free At all times will connive at me. The hawk had due distinction shown. For parts and talents like his own .

96 FABLES BY JOHN GAY.

Thousands of hireling cocks attend him, As bhist'ring bullies to defend him.

At once the ravens were discarded. And magpies with their posts rewarded.

Those fowls of omen I detest, That pry into another's nest : Stale lies must lose all good intent ; For they foresee and croak th' event. My friends ne'er think, but talk by role; Speak what they're taught, and so too vote.

When rogues like these, a sparrow crie.s, To honours and employments rise, I court no favour, ask no place, ]^or such preferment is disgrace. Within my thatch' d retreat I find (What these ne'er feel ) true peace of miud.

FABLE III.

THE BABOON AXI) THE POULTRY.

To a levee-hunter.

W,

E frequently misplace esteem, By judging men by what they seem. To birth, wealth, pow'r, we should allow Precedence, and our lowest bow. lu that is due distinction shown : E.steem is virtue's right aloue.

With partial eye we're apt to see The man of noble pedigree ; We're prepossest, my lord inherits, In some degree his grandsire's merits ; For those we find upon record ; But find him nothing but my lord.

PART THE SECOND. 97

When we with superficial view Gaze on the rich, we're dazzled too. We kuow that wealth, well understood, Hath frequent pow'r of doing good : Then fancy that the thing is done, As if the pow'r and will were one. Thus oft the cheated crowd adore The thriving knaves that keep 'em poor.

The cringing train of pow'r survey : What creatures are so low as they .' With what obsequiousness they beud ' To what vile actions condescend I Their rise is on their meanness built, And flatt'ry is their smallest guilt. What hommage, rev'rence, adoration, Jn ev'ry age, in ev'ry nation, Have sycophants to pow'r address'd I No matter who the pow'r possess'd. Let Ministers be what they will, You find their levees always fill. Ks n those who have perplex'd a state, Whose actions claim' d contempt and hate, Ifad wretches to applaud their schemes. Though more absurd than madmen's dreams. ^^ hen barb'rous Moloch was invok'd, The bloOT. of infants only smok'd ! But here, unless all hist'ry lies, Whole realms have been a sacrifice. Look through all courts; 'tis power we find The gen'i-al idol of mankind ; There worshipp'd under ev'ry shape; Alike the lion, fox, and ape. Are foUow'd by time-serving slaves, Rich prostitutes and needy knaves.

Who then shall glory in his post ? How frail his pride! how vain his boast !

9

yS 1 ABLES BY JOHN GAY.

The loiVwers ot his prosp'rous hour Are as unstable as his pow'r. Pow'r, hy the br<ath of flatt'ry nurst, The more it swells, is nearer burst. The bubble breaks, the gewgaw euJs, And in a dirty tear descends.

Once on a time an ancient maid, By wishes and by time decay'd, To cure the pangs of restless thought, In birds and beasts amusement sought : Dogs, parrots, apes, her hours eiuploy'd ; With these alone she talk'd and toy'd. A huge baboon her fancy took, , Almost a man in size and look ; He finger'd ev'ry thing he found, And mimick'd all the servants round. Then too his parts and ready wit Shew'd him for ev'ry bus'ness lit : With all those talents, 'twas but just That pug should hold a place of trust : So to her fav'rite was assign' d The charge of all her feather'd kind. 'Twas his to tend em eve and morn, And portion out their daily corn.

Behold him now, with haughtv stride, Assume a ministerial pride. • The morning rose; in hope of picking. Swans, turkeys, peacocks, ducks, and chicken, Fowls of all ranks surround his hut, To worship his important slrut^ The minister appears. The croA\d, Now here, now there, obsequious bo^^ 'd. This prais'd his parls, and that his face, T'other his diguily in place ; From bill to bill the fiaft'ry ran; He hears a;ul b<-ars il like a man ;

PART THE SECOND. 99

For, wheu we flatter self-conceit, We but his sentiments repeat.

If we're too scrupulously just. What profit's in a place of trust ? The common practice of the great Is to secure a snug retreat. So pug began to turn his brain , Like other folks in place , on gain. An apple-woman's stall was near. Well stock'd with fruits through all the year : Here ev'ry day he cramm'd his guts, Hence were his hoards of pears and nuts ; For 'twas agreed in way of trade, ills payments should in corn be made.

The stock of grain was quickly spent. And no account which way it went. Then too the poultry's starv'd condition Caus'd speculations of suspicion. The facts were prov'd beyond dispute ; Pug must refund his hoards of fruit : And, though then minister in chief. Was branded as a pubUck thief; Disgrac'd, despis'd, confin'd to chains, He nothing but his pride retains.

A goose pass'd by ; he knew the face, Seen ev'ry levee while in place.

What, no respect! no rev'rence shown ! How saucy are these creatures grown .' Not two days since, says he, you bow'd The lowest of ray fawning crowd.

Proud fool, replies the goose, 'tis true, Thy corn a flutt'ring levee drew ; For that I joiii'd the hungry train. And sold thee flatt'ry for thy grain. But then, as now, conceited ape. We saw thee in thy proper shape.

FABLES r.T JOHN GAY.

FABLE IV.

THE ANT IN OFFICE.

To a friend.

X o u tell me that you appreliend My verse may toucliy folks otfeud. Ill prudence too you think my rhimes Should never squint at courtiers' crimes ; For though nor this, nor that, is meant, Can we another's thoughts prx-veul?

You ask me, if I ever knew Court-chaplains thus the lawn pursue. I meddle not with ffown or lawn j Poets, I ^rant, to rise must fawn. They know great ears are over-nice, And never shock their patron's vice ; Rut 1 this hackney path despise ; 'Tis my ambition not lo rise. It I must prostitute the muse, The buse conditions I refuse.

I neither flatter nor defame, Yet own I would bring guilt to shame. If I corruption's hand expose, I make corrupted men my foes. What then i' I hate the paltry tribe. Be virtue mine; be theirs the bribe. I no man's property invade : Corruption's yet no lawful trade. Nor would it mi^dily ilJs produce, Could I shame bribry out of use. I know 'twould cranio mosi poiiiicau- , Were they tied down to tliese conditio. js,

PART THE SECOND. loi

'TvvouJd stint thfir pow'r, their riches bound, And make their parts ssem less profound. Were they denied their proper tools. How could they lead their knaves and fools:' Were this the case, let's take a view What dreadful mischiefs would ensue. Though it might agi^randize the state, Could private lux'ry dine on plate? Kings might indeed their friends rev. ard, But ministers find less regard. Informers, sycophants, and spies. Would not augment the year's supplies : Perhaps too, take away this prop, An annual job or two might drop. Besides, if pensions were denied, Could avarice support its pride ? It might ev'n ministers confound, And yet the state be safe and sound.

I care not though 'tis understood; I only mean my country's good : And, let who will uiy freedom blame, I wish all courtiers did the same. Nay, though some folks the less might get, I wish the nation out of debt.

I put no private man's ambition With publick good in competition : Piather than have our laws defac'd, I'd vote a minister disgrflc'd.

I strike at vice, be't where it will, And what if great folks take it ill ! I hope corruption, brib'ry, pension, One may with detestation mention ; Think you the law, let who wi 1 t.ike it. Can scandalum magnatiim make iti^ I vent no slander, owe no grudge, Nw of another's conscience judge :

9"

FAT, LES BY JOHN GAY. At him or him I take uo aim, Yet dare against all > ice declaim. Shall I not censure breach of trust, Because knaves know themselves unjust? That steward, whose account is clear, Demands his honour may appear: H's actions never shun the light ; He is, and would be prov'd upright.

Ttut then you think my fable bears Allusioa too to state-affairs. I grant it does : and who's so great, TJ»3t has the privilege to cheat ? If then in. any future reign ( For ministers may thirst for gain ) Corrupted hands defraud the ualion, I bar uo reader's application.

An ant there was, whose forward jiraie Controul'd all matters iu debate. Whether he knew the thing or no, His tongue eternally would go : For he had impudence at will, And boasted universal skill. Ambition was his point in view ; Thus by degrees to pow'r he grew. I'ehold him now his drift attain; He's made chief treas'rer of the grain.

But as their ancient laws are jusi , And punish breach of publick trust, 'Tis order'd, lest v/rong a2ij)licatiou Should starve that wise industrious nation, That all accounts be stated clear. Their stock, and what defray'd the year; 'I'hat auditors should thcs(; inspect. And publick rapine thus be check 'd. For this the solemn day was set, The audilovs in council met ;

PART THE SECOND. loi

The grau'ry-keeper must explain, And balance his account of grain. He brought, since he could not rffus.' 'tiu^ Some scraps of paper to amuse 'em.

An honest pismire, warm with ztal. In justice to the pubiick weal, Thus spoke : The nation's hoard is low ; From whence does this profusion flow.^ I know our annual fund's amount. Why such expence, and where's th' account .•'

With wonted arrogance and pride, The ant in ofilce thus rephed :

Consider, Sirs, were secrets told, How could the best-schem'd projects hold : Should we state-mysteries disclose, 'Twould lay us opert-to our foes. My duty and my well-known zeal Rid me our present schemes co.'j< eal : But, on my honour, all th' expeuce. Though vast, was for the swarm's defer^re.

They pass'd th' account as fair and just. And voted him implicit trust.

Next year again the gran'ry draiu'd, He thus his innocence maiutain'd :

Think ho>v our present matters stand. What dangers threat from ev'ry hand ; WTiat hosts of turkeys stroll for food , No farmer's wife but hath her brood. Consider, when invasion's near, Intelligence must cost us dear ; And, in this ticklish situation, A secret told betrays the nation. But, on my honour, all th' expeuce, Th. jugh vast , was for the swarm's defence.

Again, without examination. They thank'd his sage admiuistratien.

I04 lARLES BY JOHN GAY.

The year revolves ; the treasure spent Again in secret service went. His honour too again was pledg'd To satisfy the charge alledg'd.

When thus, with panick shame possess'd. An auditor his friends address'd :

What are we ? ministerial tools : W^e little knaves are greater fools. At last this secret is explor'd; 'Tis our corruption thins the hoard : !''or ev'ry grain we touch'd, at least A thousarid his owulieaps increas'd. Then, for his kin, and fav'rite spies, A hundred hardly could suffice. Thus, for a paltry sneaking bribe, We cheat ourselves, and all the tribe ; I'or all the magazine contains Grows from our annual toil anil pains.

They vote th' account shall be inspected : The cunning pKmd'rer is detected ; The fraud is sentenc'd ; and his hoard, As due, to publick use restor'd.

FABLE V.

THE BEAR IN A BOAT.

To a coxcomb.

JL H AT man must daily wiser grow, Whose search is bent himself to know Impartially he weighs his scope, And on firm reason founds his hope ;

PART THE SECOND. He tries his strength before the race, And never seeks his own dis{,'race ; He knows the compass, sail, and oar, Or never launches from the shore ; Before he builds, compute.s the cost, And in no proud pursuit is lost: Me learns the bounds of human sense, And safely walks within the fence : Thus cons<;ious of his own defect, Are pride and seif-importance check'd.

If then, self-knowledge to pursue. Direct our life in ev'ry view, Of all the fools tliat pride can boast A coxcomb claims distinction most.

Coxcombs are of all ranks and Idnd ; They 're not to sex or age conlin'd. Or rich, or poor, or great, or small; And vanity besots 'em ail. Y>y ignorance is pride iucreas'd : Those most assume who know the least; Their own false balance gives 'em weight. But ev'ry other finds 'em lif;ht.

Not that all coxcombs' follies strike, And draw our ridicule alike ; To diff'rent merits each pretends : This in love-vanity transcends; That, smitten Avith his face aq||[ shape, By dress distinguishes the ape ; T'other with learning crams his shelf, Knows books and all things but himself.

All these are fools of low condition, Compar'd with coxcombs of ambition. For those, puff d up with flatt'ry, dare Assume a nation's various care. They ne'er the grossest praise mistrust, Their sycophants seem hardly just :

to6 FABLES BY JOHN GAY.

For these in part alone attest The flatt'ry their own thoughts suggest. In this wide sphere a coxcomb's shown In other realms besides his own : The self-deem'd Machiavel at large By turns controuls in ev'ry charge. Does commerce suffer in her rights ? • 'Tis he directs the naval flights. What sailor dares dispute his skill ? He'll be an adm'ral when he will.

Now, meddling in the soldier's tx'ade, Troops must be liir'd and levies made. He gives ambassadors their cue, His cobbled treaties to renew ; And annual taxes must suffice The current blunders to disguise. ■ When his crude schemes in air are lost, And millions scarce defray the cost, His arrogance, nought undismay'd, Trusting in self-suflicieut aid. On other rocks misguides the realm, And thinks a pilot at the helm. He ne'er suspects his want of skill. But blunders on from ill to ill ; And when he fails of all intent, Blames only unforeseen event. Lest you ui^take the application, The fable calls me to relation.

A bear, of shag and manners rough, At climbing trees expert enough ; For dext'rously and safe from harm Year after year he robb'd the swarm. Thus thriving on industrious toil. He gloried in his pilfer'd spoil.

This trick so swell'd him with conceit. He thought no enterprize too great.

PART THE SECOND.

Alike in sciences and arts, He boasterl universal parts ; Pragnialick, busy, bustling, bold, His arrogance was uncontroul'd : And thus be made his party good, And grew dictator of the wood.

The beasts with admiration stare. And think hiiu a prodigious bear. Were any common booty got, 'Twas his each portion to allot : For why, he found there might be picking Ev'n in the carving of a chicken, intruding thus, he by degrees Ciaim'd too the butcher's larger fees : And now his over-weening pride In ev'ry province will preside. No task too difficult was found : His blund'ring nose misleads the hound : In stratagem and subtle arts. He over-rules the fox's parts.

It chanc'd, as on a certain day Along the bank he took his way, A boat, with rudder, sail, and oar, At anchor floated near the shore ; He stopt, and, turning to his train, Thus pertly vents his vaunting strain :

What blund'ring puppies are mankind, In ev'ry science always blind I I mock the pedantry of schools. What are their compasses and rules ? From me that helm shall conduct learn, And man his ignorance discern.

So saying, with audacious pride He gains the boat and climbs the side. The beasts astonish'd line the strand; The anchor's weigh'd,he drives from iav.d

FABLES BY JOHN GAY.

The slack sail shifts from side to side ;

The hoat untriium'd admits the tide.

Borne dowu, adrift, at random tost,

His oar breaks short, the rudder's lost.

The hear, presuming in his skill,

Is here and there oflicious still ;

Till strikiuc; on the dang'rous sands

A-ground the shatter'd vessel stands.

To see the bungler thus distrest, ^

The very fishes sneer and jest.

Ev'n gudgeons join in ridicule,

To mortify the meddling fool.

The clam'rous watermen appear ;

Threats, curses, oaths, insult his ear :

Seiz' d, thresh'd and chain'd, he's dragg'd to land :

Derision shouts alonerthe strand.

FABLE VI.

THE 'squire and HIS CUR.

To a country-gentleman.

J. H E man of pure and simple heart Tlirough life disdains a double part. He never needs the screen of lies Jlis inward bosom to disguise. In vain malicious tongues assail; Let envy snarl, let slander rail, From virtue's shield, secure from v/ound, Their blunted venom'd shafts rebound. So shines his llghtbeforc mankind, His actions prove his honest mind. If in his country's cause he rise, Debating senates to advis*'.

P ART THE SECOIND. 109

Unbrib'd, unaw'd, he dares impart The honest dictates of his heart. No ministerial frown he fears, But in his virtue perseveres. '

But would you play the politician, Whose heart's averse to intuition, Your lips at all times, nay, your reason, Must be controul'd by place and season. What statesman could his pow'r support. Were lying tongues forbid the court? Did princely ears to truth attend, What Minister could gain his end ? How could he raise his tooJs to place. And how his honest foes disgrace ?

That politician tops his part, Who readily can lie with art, The man's proficient in his trade ; His pow'r is strong, his fortune's made. By that the iut'rest of the throne [s made subservient to his own : By I hat have kings of old, deluded. All their own friends for his excluded. By that, his selfish schemes pursuing, He thrives upon the publick ruin.

Autiochus (i), with hardy pace, Provok'd the dangers of the chace ; And, lost from all his menial train, Travers'd the wood and joathless plain : A cottage lodg'd the royal guest: The Parthian clowu brought forth his best. The King unknown his feast eujoy'd. And various chat the hours employ'd. Trom wine what sudden friendship springs I Frankly they talk'd of courts and kings.

FAP.LES IVY JOHN GAY.-

We countiy-folks, ibe clown replies, Could ope our gracious monax-ch's eyes. Th^ kin2[,as all our neighbours say, Might ht ( God bless him I) have his wav. Is sound at heart, and means our good, And he v.ould do it, if he could .

If truth in courts were not forbid, Nor kings nor subjects would be rid. Were he in pow'r, we need not doubt him Rut that tra;isfierr'd to those about biiii, On them he throws the regal cares : And what mind they .^ Their own affairs.

If such rapacious hands he trust, The best of men may seem unjust. From kings to coblers 'tis the same : Bad servants wound their masters' fame. In this our neighbours all agree ; Would the king knew as much as we. Here he stopt short. Rejjose they sought: The peasant slept; the mouaich tltrsuglit.

The courtiers learn'd, at early da^^n, Where their lost sov'reign was with(h•a\^n. The guards' approach our host alarms, With gaudy coats the cottage swarms. The crown and purple robes they bring. And prostrate fall before the king, 'i'he clown was cali'd, the royal guest By due reward his thanks exprest. The king then turning to the crowd, Who fawningly before him bow'd. Thus spoke: Since, bent on private gain, Your counsels llrsl misled my reign., Taught and inform'd by you alone, No truth the royal car halh knoAvn, 'Till here conversing. Htnce, ye crew, For now I know myself and you.

PART THE St COM3.

Wlieae'er the royal ear'.s engrost, State-lies but little geulus cost : The fav'rlte then securely robs And gleans a nation by his jobs. l'"rauker and bolder giowu in ill. He daily poisons dares instill ; And, as his present views suggest, Inllaines or sooths the royal breast. Thus wicked ministers oppress, AVhen oft the monarch means redress.

Would kings their private subjects hear, A minister luust talk with fear: If honesty oppose! his views. He dare not innocence accuse : •

'Twould keep him in such narrow bound, He could not right and wrong confound, Happy were kings, could they disclose Their real friends and real foes .' Were both themselves and subjects kuown, A monarch's will might be his own. Had he the use of ears and eyes, Knaves v,ould no more be counted wise. 13 ut then a minister might lose ( Hard case .' ) his own ambitious views. When such as these have vex'd a state, Pursu'd by universal hate, Their false support at once hath fail'd, And persevering truth prevail'd. Expos' d their train of fi-aud is seen ; Truth wiil at last remove the screen.

A country 'Squire, by whim directed. The true, stauch dogs of chase neglected. Ueneath Ixis board no hound was fed ; His hand ne'er stroak'd the spaniel's head. A snappish cur, alorie carest, Bv lies had banish'd all the rest ;

FABLES BY JOHN GAT.

Yap had his ear ; and defamation Gave him full scope of conversation. His sycophants must he prefeiT d, Room must be made for all his herd : Wherefore, to bring his schemes about. Old faithful servants all must out.

The cur on ev'ry creature flew, (As other great men's ])uppies do,) Unless due court to him were shown. And both their face and business known. No honest tongue an audience found : He worried all the tenants round ; For why, he liv'd in constant fear Lest truth by chance should interfere. If any stranger dar'd intrude, The noisy cur his heels pursu'd. Now fierce with rage ,now struck with dread; At once he snarled, b t, ar.d fled. Aloof he bays, with bristling hair, And thus in secret growls his fear : Who knows but truth, in this disguise, May frustrate my best guarded lies? Should she, thus mask'd, admittance find. That very iiour m\ ruin's sign'd.

Now in his howl's continu'd sound, Their words Avere lost, the voice was drown'd Ever in awe of honest tongues. Thus ev'ry day he strain'd his lungs.

It happen'd, in ill-oraen'd hour. That Yap, unmindful of his pow'r. Forsook his post, to love inclin'd ; A fav'rite bitch was in the wind : By her seduc'd, in am'rous play They frisk'd the joyous hours away. Thus by untimely love pursuing, Like Antony, he sought his ruin.

PART THE SECOND. ii3

For now the 'Squire, unvex'd witb noise, Au honest neighbour's chat eujovs.

Re free, says he. your mind \nipart ; I love a friendJy open heart. Methinks my tenants sliun my gate ; VVhy such a stranger n^ro\vn of Jate? Pray tell me what offJice ihey find : 'Tis ])iain thr y're not so well iucLia'd.

Turn off yoar cur, the faimer cries, Who feedsyonr ear with daily lies ; His snarling insolence offends : 'Tis he that keeps you from your friends. Were but that sauoY pnppy checkt, You'd find again the same respect. Hear only him, he'il swear it too That all our haired is to you ; But learn from us your tnie estate : 'Tis that cur.s'd cu)' alone we hate.

The 'Squire heard truth. Now Yap rush"diaj The wide hail echoes w^th his din : Yet truth prevaii'd ; and, with disgrace, The dog was cudgell'd out of place.

FABLE VII.

■JHK t;OCNTnYMA.N AND JX;X'lTtK.

To MjscL'^.

XL AVE you a friend ( look round aud tipx }

So fond, so preposscss'd as I .^

Your faults, so obvious to mankind,

IMy partial eyes could never Und.

\\ hen, by the breath of i'ortanc blown,

Yo«r ail y castles ^Tcrc o'eilhrown,

10,

ii4 FABLES BY JOHN GAT.

Have I beeu over pipne to blame, Or mortified your hours with, shame ? Was I e'er knowu to damp your spirit, Or twit you with the want of merit? 'Tis not so strange that Fortune's frown Still perseveres to keep you down. Look round, and 4^ what others do. Would you be rich aud honest too.** Have you, like those she rais'd to place. Been opportunely mean aud base? Have you, as times' requir'd, resign d Truth, honour, virtue, peace of mind? If these are scruples, give her o'er ; Write, practise morals, and be poor.

The gifts of fortune truly rate ; Then tell me what would mend your stale. If happiness on wealth were built, Rich rOi:;ues might eoiufurt find in guilt : As grows the miser's hoarded store, His fears, his wants, increase the more.

Think, (jay, ( what ne'er may be the case, ) Should fortune take you into grace, Would that your happiness augment? AVIiat can she give beyond content?

Suppose yourself a wealthy heir, With a vast annual income clear ! In all the affluence you possess, You might not feel one care the less. Might you not then, like others, find With change of fortune, change of mind? Perhaps profuse beyond all rule. You might start out a glaring fool ; Your luxury might break all bounds : Plate, table, horses, slev\ards, hounds. Might swell your debts : then lust of play No regal income can defray.

PART THE SECOND. u

Suuk is all credit, writs assail, Aud doom -vour future life to jail.

Or, were you dignified with pow'r, Would that avert one pensive hour? You might give avarice its swing , Defraud a nation, blmd a king : Then, from tlie hirelings in your cause, Though daily fed with false applause, Gould it a real joy impart ? Great giu^t knew never joy at heart.

Is happiness your point in view.-* ( I mean th' intrinsick and the true ) She nor in camps or courts resides, Nor in the humble cottage hides; Yet found alike in ev'ry sphere ; "Who finds content, Avill find her there.

O'erspent with toil, beneath tlfle shade A peasant rested on his spade.

Good gods .' he cries, 'tis hard to bear This load of life from year to year. Soon as the morning streaks the skies, Industrious labour bids me rise; With sweat I earn my homely fare, And ev'ry day renews my care.

Jove heard the discontented strain, And thus rebuk'd the murm'ring swain :

Speak out your wants then, honest friend ; Unjust complaints the gods offend. If you repine at partial fate, Instruct me wha^t could mend your state. Mankind in ev'ry station see. What wish you.^ Tell me what you'd be.

So said : upborne upon a cloud, The clown survey'd the anxious crowd.

.Yon face of care, savs Jove, behold, His bulky bags are fill'd with gold.

[- ABLES BY JOHN GAY. See with what joy he counts it o'er .' That sum to-day hath sweli'd his store. Were I that man, the peasant cried, What hlesslug couki I ask beside.^

Hold, says the god ; iirst learn to know True liappincss froiii outward show.

This bptick glass of intuition

Here, take it, view his line condition.

He look'd, and saw the miser's breast, A troubled ocean, ne'er at rest M| Want ever stares him in the face, And fear anticipates disgrace : ^Vith conscious guilt h;* saw him start; Extortion gnavv s his throbbing heart ; And never, or in thought or. dream, His breast admits one hajipy gleam.

May .love, he cries, reject my pray'r, And guard my life from guilt and care! My soul abhors that wretch's fate : () keep me in my humble state .' But see, amidst a gaudy ci'owd, Yon minister so gay and proud. On him what happiness attends. Who thus rewards his grateful friends .'

Kirst lake the glass,the (iod replies; Man views the world with partial eyes.

Good gods ! exclaims ihe startled wiglil, Defend mc from ihls hideous sight ! Corruption, with corrosive smart, Lies cank'ring on his guilty heart: I see him, with polluted hand. Spread the contagion o'er the land. Now a v' rice with insatiate jaws, Now raj)iue with her harpy claws. If is bosom tears. His conscious breast Groans, v.ilJi a load of crimes opprest.

PARTTHESECOND. 117

See hiiii, mad and drunk with power, Stand tott'riug on ambition's tower. Soraetime.s,ln speeches vain and proud, }[is boasts insult the nether crowd; Now, seiz'd vith giddiness and fear, He trembles lest his fall is near.

Was ever wretch like this, he cries, Such misery in such disguise J The change, O Jove, I disavow ; Still be my lot the spade and plough.

He next, confirm'd by speculation, Rejects the lawyei's occupation ; For he the statesman seera'd in part. And bore similitude of heart. Nor did the soldier's trade inflame His hopes with thirst of spoil and fame: The miseries of war he mourn' d ; Whole nations into deserts turn'd.

By these have laws nnd rights been brav'd j By these was free-born man enslaved, When battles and invasion cease, Whv swarm thev in the lauds of peace? Such change, says he, may I decline ; The scythe and civil arms be mine ;

Thus weighing life in each condition , The clown withdrew his rash petition.

When thus the God : « How mortals err ! If you true ha})piness prefer, 'Tis to no rank of life confin'd, But dwells in ev'ry honest mind. Be justice then your sole pursuit: Plant virtue, and content's the fruit. »

vSo Jove, to gratify the clown, Where first he found him, set him down.

FABLES BY JOHN GAY. FABLE VIII.

THE MAN, THE CA.T, THE DOG, AND THE FI,Y,

To my native country.

Jrl-AiL, happy laud! whose fertile grounds

The liquid feuce of Neptune houud.'s ;

By houuteous nature set apart.

The seat of industry and art !

O Britain! chosen port of trade,

May lux'ry ne'er thy sons invade ;

May never minister, intent

His private treasures to augment.

Corrupt thy state. If jealous foes

Thy rights of commerce dare oppose,

Shall not thy fleets their rapine awe*"*

Who is't prescribes the Oceau law.-*

Whenever neighh'ring slates contend^ 'Tis thine to he the gen'ral Iriend. What is't who rules in other lands ? On trade alone thy glory stands. That beaelit is unconlin'd, Diffusing good among mankind : That lirst gave lustre to thy reigns. And scatter'd pleuly o'er thy plains : 'Tis that alone thy wealth supplies. And draws all Europe's envious eyes. Be commerce then thy sole design ; Keep that, and all the world is thme.

When naval traflick ploughs the n.ain Who shares not iu the merchant's f;ain?

FART THE SECOND. 'Tis that supports the regal state, And makes the farmer's heart clale : The nam'rous flocks, that clothe the land, Can scarce supply the loom's demand ; Prolifick culture g.'ads '.he fields. A:id the bare heath a harvest yields.

Nature expects mankind should share The duties of the puhiick care. Who's born for sloth (i) ? To some we find The plough-share's annual toil assign'd. Some at the sounding anvil glow ; Some the swift -'gliding shuttle throw^ : Some, studious of the wind and tide, I'rom pole to pole our commerce guide*: Some, laoght by industry, impart With hands and feet the w orks of art : While j-onie, of genius more relin'd. With head and tongue assist mankind : Each, aiming at one common end. Proves to the whole a needful friend. Thus, born each other's useful aid, By turns are obligations paid.

The monarch, when his table's spread, Is to the clown oblig'd for bread ; And, when in all his glory drest, Owes to the loom his royal vest. Do not the mason's toil and care Protect him from th' inclement air! Does not the cutler's art supply The ornament that guards his thigh ' All these, in duty to the throne, Tiieir common obligations own. 'Tis he ( his own or people's cause ) Protects their properties and laws.

(i) Barrow.

FABLES BY JOHN GAY.

Thus they their honest toil employ, And with content their fruits enjov. In ev"ry rank, or great or small, 'Tis industry supports us all.

The animals, by want oppress'd, To man their services addiess'd. "While each pursuM their selfish good, They hunger'd (or precarious food. Their hours with anxious cares were vext ; One day they fed, and starv'd the next. They saw that plenty, sure and rife, Was found alone in social hfe ; That mutual industry profess'd Th? various wants of man redress'd.

The cat, half-famish'd, lean and weak. Demands the privilege to speak.

Well, puss, says man, and what can you To benefit the pnblick do .'* The cat replies : These teeth, these claws. With vigilance shall serve the cause. The mouse, deslroy'd by my pursuit. No longer shall your feasts pollute. Nor rats, from nightly ambuscade. With wasteful teeth your stores invade.

I grant, says man, to gen'ral use Your parts and talents may conduce ; For rats and mice purloin our grain, And threshers whirl the Hail in vain : Thus shall the cat a foe to spoil. Protect the farmer's honest toil.

Then, turning to the dog, he cri* d. Well, sir; be next your merits tried.

Sir, says the dog, by self-applause We seem to own a friendless c;«use. Ask those who know me, if distrust E'er found mr treach'rons or unjust?.

PART THE SECOND. ,

Did I e'er faith or fi'iendship break i' Ask all those creatures ; let them speak. My vigilance and trusty zeal Perhaps might serve the publick weal. Might not your flocks in safety feed, Were I to guard the fleecy breed? Did I the nightly watches keep. Could thieves invade you while vou sleep .

The man replies : 'Tis just and right : Rewards such service should i-equite. So rare, in property, we find Trust uncorrupt among mankind, That, taken in a publick view, The iirst distinction is your due. Such merits all reward transcend : Be then my comrade and my friend.

Addressing now the fly : From you What publick service can accrue ? From me ! the flutt'ring insect said, I thought you knew me belter bred ; Sir, I'm a gentleman. Is't fit That I to industry submit ? Let mean mechanicks, to be fed, By bus'ness earn ignoble bread. Lost in excess of daily joys, No thought, no care my life annoyi^. At noon , the lady's matin hour, I sip the tea's delicious flow'r. On cates luxuriously I dine, And drink the fragrance of ihe vine. Studious of elegance and ease, Myself alone I seek to please.

The man his pert conceit derides, And thus the u.-eless coxcomb chides :

Hence, from that peach, that downiy s^^at : No idle fool dcsenes to eat.

FABLES BY JOHj^T GAY. Could you bave sapp'd the blushing r'nd, And OQ that pulp ambrosial din'd, Had not some hand with skill and toil. To raise the tree, prepared the soili* Consider, sot, what would ensue. Were all such w orthlcss things as you. You'd soon be forc'd , by hunger stung , To make your dirty meals on dung: On which such despicable need, Unpitied, is reduc'd to feed. Resides, vain selfish insect, learn, ( If you can right and wrong discern ) That he who with industrious zeal Coatributes to the publick weal. By adcUng to the common good, His own hath rightly understood. So saying, with a sudden blow, He laid the noxious vagrant low : Crush'd in his luxury and pride, The spunger on the publick died.

FABLE IX.

THF. JACKALIi, LEOrAR©, AND OTHER EEASTi.

To a modern Polilician.

X GRANT corruption sways mankind; That int'rest too perverts ihc mind; That bribes have blinded cornmoa sense, Foil'd reason, truth, and eloquence : I graut you too, our present crimes <hn equal those of former limes.

PART THE SKCOND.

Vgainst plain f^cts shall I cubage, To vindicate our righreous age ? I know, that in a modern list, . . Bribes in full energy subsist. Since then these arguments prevail, • And itching palms are still so frail. Hence pohticians, you suggest, Should drive the nail that goes the best; That it shews parts and penetration, To ply men with the right temptation.

To this I humbly must dissent : Premising, No reflexion's meant.

Does justice or the client's sense Teach lawyers either side's defence.^ The fee gives eloquence its spirit ; That only is the client's merit.

Does art, wit, wisdom, or address, Obtain the prostitute's caress ? The guinea, as in other trades , Vrom cv'ry hand alike persuades. Man, Scripture says, is prone to evil; P>ut does that vindicate the devil .^ Besides, the mtire mankind are prone, The less the devil's parts are shown. Corruption's not of modern date ; It hath been tried in ev'ry state. Great knaves of old their pow'r have fenc'd By places, pensions, bribes dispensd ; By these they gloried in success. And impudently dar'd oppress ; ■ By these despoticly they sway'd, And slaves extoll'd the hand that paid; ISor parts nor genius were employ'd, By these alone were realms destroy'd.

Now see these wretches in disgrace, Slript of their treasures, pow'r, and place;

FABLES BY JOHN GAY. View tbem abandoned and forlorn, Expos'd to jusr reproach and scorn: What now is all your pride, your boast? Where are your slaves, your flatt'ring host?

What tongues now feed you with applause? Where are the champions of your cause? TN'ow ev'n that very fawning train Who shar'd the gleanings of your gain, Press foremost who shall first accuse Your selfish jobs, your paltry views. Your narrow schemes, your breach of trust. And want of talents to be just.

What fools were these amidst their pow'r ! How thoughtless of their adverse hour.' What friends were made? A hireling herd, l'"or temporary voles preferr'd. Was it, these sycophants to get. Your bounty sweil'd a nation's debt? Y'ou're bit. For these, like Swiss, attend; No longer pay, no longer friend.

The lion is , beyond dispute , AUow'd the most majestick brute; His valour and his gen'rous mind Prove him superior of his kind. Yet to jackalls , as 'tis averr'd , Some lions have their pow'r transfcrr'd : As if the parts of pimps and spies To govern forests could suffice.

Once, studious of his private good. A proud jackall oppress'd the wood ; To cram liis own insatiate jaws Invaded property and laws. The forest groans with discontent, Fresh wrongs the gen'ral hate foment. The spreading murmurs reach'd his ear; His secret hours were vex'd with fear.

PART THE SECOND. Night after nipfht he we!j:;lis the case, And feels the terrors of disgrate.

By friends , says lie, I'll f(iiard my sen? ; Ry those , malicious tongues defeat: I'll strenghteu pow'r by new alhes. And all my clam'rous foes despise.

To make the gen'rous beasts his frieiicls He cringes, fawns, and condescends ; Rut those repuls'd his abject court, .\.nd scorn'd oppression to snj)port. Iciends must be had. Ik' cau'l sub.sist. r.ribcs shall new proselytes enlist. But these nought weigh'd in honest paws ; For bribes confess'd a wicked cause : ' Yet think not ev'ry jiaw withsiands What had prevail'd in human hands.

A tempting turnip's silver skin Drew a base hog through tliick and thin ; Bought with a stag's delicious haunch. The mercenary wolf was slanch : The convert fox grew warm and hearts . A pullet gaia'd him to the party : The golden pippin in his list, A chatt'ring monkey join'd the list.

But soon, expos'd to publickhate, The fav'rite's full redress'd the state. The leopard, vindicating right, Hcid brought his secret irauds to hght. As rats ( before the mansion falls ) Desert late hospitable walls, In shoals the servile creatures run, To bow before the rising sun.

The hog with warmth expressed his zeal. And was for hanging those (hat steal ; But hop'd, though low, the publick hoard Might half a turnip still afford.

FABLES BT JOHN GAY. Since saving measures were profest, A lamb's liead was the woif 's request, riie fox submitted, if to touch A gosling Avould be deein'd too much. The monkey tliought his grin and chatter Might ask a nut, or some such matter.

Ye hirelings, hence ! the leopard cries ; Y'"our venal conscience I despise. He who the pnblick good intends By bribes needs never purchase friends. Who acts this just, this open part, Is propt by ev'ry honest heart. Corruption now too late hath show'd, That bribes are always ill bestow'd : , By you your bubbled master's taught, Time-serving tools, not friends, are bought.

FABLE X.

THE DEGENERATE BEES,

To the reverend Dr. Swift, dean of St. Patrick'

X HOUGH courts the practice disallow, A friend at all times I'll avow. In politicks I know 'tis wrong : A friendship may be kept too long ; Aud thai they call the prudent part, Is to wear iut'rest next the heart. As the times take a dilf'reut face. Old friendships .should to new give place.

I know too you have many foes, That owning jou is sharing those :

PART THE SECOND. ,,

That ev'ry knave in ev'ry station, Of high and low denomination , For what you speak, and what you write, Dread you at once, and bear you spite. vSuch freedoms in your works are shown, They can't enjoy what's not their own. All dunces too in church and state In frothy nonsense shew their hate ; With all the petty scribbling crew, ( And those pert sots are not a few, ) 'Gainst you and Pope their envy spurt : The booksellers alone are hurt.

Good gods ! by what a powerful race ( For blockheads may have pow'r and place ) Are scandals rais'd, and libels writ. To prove your honesty and wit I Think with yourself: Those worthy men, You know, have suffer'd by your pen. From them you've nothing but your due. From hence, 'tis plain, your friends are few. Except myself, I know of none. Besides the wise and good alone. To set the case in fairer light, My fable shall the rest recite ; "Which, though unlike our present state, I for the moral's sake relate.

A bee of cunning, not of parts, Luxurious, negligent of arts. Rapacious, arrogant, and vain, Greedy of pow'r, but more of gain, Corruption sow'd throughout the hive. Ry petty rogues the great ones thrive.

As pow'r and wealth his views supplied, 'Twas seen in overbearing pride. With him loud impudenoe had merit : The bee of consciehce wanted spirit ;

FAT.LES r.Y TO JIN" GAY. Aud those wlio follow'd lionoui-'sjules Were langli'd tQ scorn for squeamish fools. Wealth claim'd distinction, favour, grace ; And poverty alone was bas«. He treated industry with slight, Unless he found his profit by't. Rights, laws, and liberties gave way To bring his selllsh schemes in play : The swarai forgot the common toil. To share the gleanings of his spoil.

While vulgar souls, of nari'ow parts, Waste life in low mechanick arts, Let us, says he, to genius born. The drudg'ry of our fathers scorn. The wasp and drone, you must agree. Live with more elegance than we. Like gentlemen they sport and play ; No bus'ness interrupts the day: Their hours to luxury they give , And nobly on the'.r neighbours live.

A stubborn bee, among the swarm. With honest indignation Avarm, Thus from his cell with zeal replied ;

I slight thy frowns, and hate thy pride. The laws our native rights protect; Offending thee, I those respect. vShall luxury corrupt the hive, And none against the tovrcnl strive.^ Ex«rt the honour of your race : He builds his fise on your disgrace. 'Tis industry our state maintains. . 'Twas honest toils aud honest gains That rais'd our sires to pow'r and fame. T5e virtuous ; save yourselves from shame Know that in seHish ends pursuing You scramble for ihe puWick ruin.

PART THE SECOND. i,.,

lie spoke; aud,froni his cell dismiss'd,

Was insolently scoff'd and liiss'd,

With him a friend or two resign'd,

Disdaining the degen'rate kind.

These drones, says he, these insects vile,

( I treat them in their proper style )

May for a time oppress the state ,

They own our virtue by theu- hate ;

Ey that our merits they reveal,

And recommend our publick zeal ;

Disgrac'd by this corrupted cre\v^.

We're honour'd by the virlaous few.

FABLE XL

THE PACK.-H0RSE A>'D THE CARKIER.

To a young nobleman.

JJegin, my lord, in early youth, To suffer, nay, encourage truth : And blame me not for disrespect, If I the Flatt'rer's style reject ; With that, by menial tongues supplied, You're daily cocker'd up in pride.

The tree's distinguish'd by the fruit. Be virtue then your first pursuit ; Set your great ancestors in view , Like them deserve the title too; Like them ignoble actions scorn : Let virtue prove you greatly born.

Tho' with less plate their side-board s|ione, Their conscience alwavs was their own ;

3o FABLES BY JOHN GA\.

They ne'er ajt levees meanly favvn'd, Nor was their honour yearly pawn'd : Theil- hands, by no corruption stain'd, The ministerial LriLe disdaiu'd ; They serv'd the crown with loyal zeal; Yet jealous of the puLlick weal. They stood ihc bulwark of our laws, And wore at heart their country's cause By neither place nor pension bouj^ht. They spoke and voted as they thought. Thus did your sues adore their seat ; And such alone are truly great.

If you the paths of learning slight , You're but a dunce in stronger liglil; In foremost rank the coward plac'd Is more conspic'ously disgrac'd, If you, to serve a paltry end, 'J'o knavish jobs can condescend , We pay you the contemptthat's due ; In that you have precedc^nce too. Whence had you this illustrious name? From virtue and uuibleinish'd fame. By birth the name alone descends ; Your honour on yourself depends ; Think not your coronet' can hide Assuming i;^norance and pride. Learning by study must be won, 'Twas ne'er eutaii'tl from son to son. Superior worth your rank requires ; For tliat mankind reveres your sires : If you degeu'rate from your race. Their merits heighten your disgrace.

A carrier, eV'ry night and morn, Would see his horses eat their corn. This sunk the hostler's vails, 'tis true, r>ut then his horses had their due.

PART THE SECOND. ijr

^\crc we so cautious in all cases, Small gain would rise from greater places.

The manger now had all its measure, He heard the grinding teetli with pleasure ; When ail at once confusion rung, They snorted, jostled, hit , and flung. A pack-horse turn'd his head aside, I'oaming, his eye baUs swell'd with pride,

Good gods ! says he, how hard's my lot ! Is th?n my high descent forgot ? 11 Juc'd to drudg'ry and disgrace, ( A life unworthy of my race ) Must I too bear the vile attacks Of ragged scrubs, and vulgar hacks.'* See scurvy Roan, that brute ill-bred, Dares from the manger thrust my head .' Shall I , who boast a double line. Oil offals of these creatures dine? Kick'd by old Ball I so mean a foe ! My honour suffers by the blov/. Newmarket speaks my grandsire's fame, AU jockeys still revere liis name : There yearly are his triumphs told. There all his massy plates enroll'd. Whene'er led forth upon the plain, You saw him with a liv'ry train ; Krtur.'iiug too, with laurels crown'd. You hcaid the drums and trumpets sound. Let it then. Sir, be understood. Respect's my due : for I have blood. Vain-giorious fool I the carrier cried, Respect was never paid to pride. Know 'twas thy giddy wilful heart Reduc'd thee to this slavish- part. Did cot thy headstrong vouth disdain To learn the conduct of the rein ?

32 FABLES BY JOHN GAY.

Thus coxcombs, blind to real merit, In vicious frolicks fancy spirit. What is't to me by whom begot? Thou restive, pert, conceited sot. Tour sires I rev'rence ; 'tis their due : But, worthless fool, what's that to you ? Ask all the carriers on the road, They'll say thy keeping's ill bestow'd. Then vaunt no more thy noble race, That neither mends thy strength nor pace. What profits me thy boast of blood ? An ass hath more intrinsick good. By outward shew let's not be cheated I An ass should hke an ass be treated.

FABLE XII.

PAN AND FORTUNE.

To a young heir.

O 00 N as your father's death was known. As if th' estate had been their own The gkmesters outwardly exprest The decent joy within your breast. So lavish in your praise they grew, As spoke their certain hopes in you.

One counts your income of the year, How much in ready money clear. No house, says he, is more compleaJt ; The garden's elegant and great. How fine the park around it lies J The limber's of a noble sire.

PAIIT THE SKCOXD. i33

Then count his jewels and his plate. I'e.sidt's, 'tis no entail'd estate. If cash run low, his lands in fee Are, or for sale, or mortgage, free.

Thus they, before you threw the main, Seem'd to anticipate their gain. Would you, when thieves were known abroad, Bring forth your treasures in the road ;-" Would not the fool abet the stealth, Who rashly thus exposed his wealth? Yet this you do, whene'er you play Among the gentlemen of pvey.

Could fools to keep their own contri\ e, On what, on whom could gamesters thTi%i'.'' Is it in charity you game To save your worthy gang from shaiiie ? Unless you furnish'd daily bread. Which way could idleness be fed.-* Could these professors of deceit Within the law no longer cheat, 'J'h.'^y must run bolder risks for prey. And strip the trav'ler on the v/ay. Thus in your annual rents they share, And 'scape the noose from year to yeL-v. Consider, ere you make the bet, That sum might cross your tailor's debt. When you the pilf'ring rattle shake, Is not your honour too at stake.? Must you pot by mean lies evade To-morrow^'s d^s from ev'ry trade .^ By promises so often paid. Is yet your tailor's bill defray'd ? I'.Iust you not pitifully fawn; To have ^^otir butcher's writ withdrawn i' This must be done. In debts of jday Your honour suffers no delay :

11

i34 FABLES BY JOHN GAY.

And uot this year's and next year's rent The sons or' rapine can content. Look round. The wrecks of play hehold, Estates disnieniber'd, raortgag'd, sold! Their owners, not to jails coniin'd, Shew equal poverty of mind. . Some, who the spoil of knaves were made, Too late attempt to learn their trade. Some, for the folly of one hour. Become the dirty tools of pow'r. And, with the mercenary list. Upon court-charity subsist.

You'll find at last this maxim true, tools are the game which knaves pursue.

The forest, a whole cent'ry's shade, Must be one wasteful ruin made. No mercy's shewn to age or kind; The gen'ral massacre is sign'd. The park too shaies the dreadful fate. For duns grow louder at the gate. Stern clowns obedient to the 'squire, ( What will nor barb'rous hands for hire.^) With brawny arms repeat the stroke : Fall'n are the ehn and rev'rend oak. Through the long wood loud axes sound, And echo groans with ev'ry wound.

To see the desolation spread. Pan drops a tear, and hangs his head; His bosom now with fury burns; Beneath his hoof the dicejlie spurns. Cards too, in peevish ])assion torn. The sport of whirling winds are borue.

To snails invet'rate hate I bear, Who spoil the verdure of the year; The caterpillar I detest, The blooming spring's voraclcns pest ;

PART THE SECOND. i3;

The locust too, whose rav'nons baad Spreads sudden famine o'er the land. But what are these ? The dice's throw At once hath laid a forest low. The cards are dealt, the bet is made, And the wide park hath lost its shade. Thus is my kingdom's pride defac'd. And all its ancient glories waste. All this, he cries, is Fortune's doing : 'Tis thus she meditates my ruin. By Fortune, that false, fickle jade. More havock in one hour is made. Than all the hungry insect race Combin'd can in an age deface.

Fortune, by chance, who near liim past, O'erheard the vile aspersion cast. *

Why, Pan, says she, what's all this rant.' 'Tis ev'ry country-bubble's cant; Am I the patroness of vice ? Is't I who cog or palm the dice ? Did I the shuffling art reveal. To mark the cards or range the deal ? Ill all th' employments men pursue, I mind the least what gamesters do. There may, if computation's just , One now and then my conduct trust : I blame the fool, for what can I, When ninety- nine my pow"r defy.^ These trust alone their fingers' ends, And not one stake on me depends. Whene'er the gaming board is set, Two classes of mankind are met : But if Ave count the greedy race. The knaves fill up the greater space. 'Tis a gross error, held in srliools, That Fortune always favours fools.

TABLES BY JOHN GAT. In play it never bears dispute ; That doctrine these fell'd oaks confute : Then why to me such rancour shew ? 'Tis folly, Pan, that is thy foe. By nie his late estate he won, But he by folly was undone.

FABLE XIII.

TLUTXIS, CUPID, 4lND T I M E.

\Jf all the burdens man must bear. Time seems most galling and severe : Beneath this grievous load oppress'd, Whe daily meet some friend distressM.

What can one do ? I rose at nine : 'Tis full six hours before we dine : Six hours .' no earthly thing to do .' Would I had doz'd in bed till two !

A pamphlet is before him spread, And almost half a page is read : Tir'd with the study of the day, The fluttering sheels are toss'd away. He opes his snuff-box, hums an air. Then yawns and stretches in his chair.

Not twenty by the minute hand I Good gods ! says he, my watch must s?a'al How muddling 'lis on books to pore I I though' I'd read an hour and more. The morning, of all hours, I hate. One can't contrive to rise too late.

To make ihe minutes faster run, Then too his tiresome self to shun.

PART THE SECOND. 137

To the next coffee-house he speeds. Takes np the news, some scraps he reads. Saunt'ring, from chair to chair he trails ; Now drinks his tea, now bites his nails. He spies a partner of his woe ; By chat afflictions lighter grow ; Each other's grievances they share, And thns their dreadful hours compare.

Says Tom', since all men must confess That time lies heavy more or less, Why should it be so hard to get Till two a party at piquet .'' Play might relieve the lagging morn : By cards long wintry nights are borne. Does not quadrille amuse the fair, Night after night, throughout the year .^ Vapours and spleen forgot, at play They cheat uncounted hours away.

My case, says Will, then mnst be hard, By want of skill from play debarr'd. Courtiers kill time by A'arious ways ; Dependance wears out half their days. How happy these, whose time ne'er stands ! Attendance takes it off their hands. Were it not for this cursed show'r. The park had whil'd away an hour. At court, without or place or view, I daily lose an hour or two. It fully answers my design, When I have pick'd up friends to dine, The tavern makes our burden light ; Wine puts our time and care to flight. At six, ( hard case ! ) ihev call to pay. Where can one go ? I hate the play. From six to ten I unless I sleep, Ouc cannot spend the hours so cheap.

12.

;S 1 A B L E S BY J O K N G A Y.

The comedy's no sooner done, But some assembly is bcfjun : Loit'ring, from room to room I stray ; Converse, but notliing hear or say : - Quite tir'd, from fair to fair I roam. vSo soon! I dread the thoughts of home. Fiom thence to quicken slow-pac'd night Again my tavern-friends invite : Here too our early mornings' pass, 'Till drowsy .sleep retard the glass.

Thus they tlieir wretched life benioni;.. And make each other's case their ov. ii.

Consider, frii^nds, no hour rolls oi?, ]>ut something of your grief is gone. Were you to schemes of bus'ness bred, Did you the paths of learning tread ; Your hours, your days, would fly too f.i; ' You'd then regret the minute past. Time's fugitive and light as wind .' 'Tis indolence that clogs your mind ! That load from off your spirits shake ; You'll own, and grieve for your mistake. Awhile your thoughtless spleen suspeud. Then read; and, if you can, attend.

As Plutus, to divert. his care, Walk'd forth one morn to take the air, Cupid o'<^rtook his strutting j)ace. Each star'd upon the stranger's face, 'Till recollection set 'em right ; For each knew t'other but by sight. After some complimenlal talk, Time met 'em, bow'd,and join'd their wall Their chat on various subjects ran, But most, what cacli had done for man. Plutus assumes^ haughty air, •lust like onr puree-pioud fellows lu re.

PART THE SECOND.

L<:t kings, says he , let coblers tell, Whose gifts among mankind excel. Consider courts ; what draws their train ? Think you 'tis loyalty or gain? That statesman hath the strongest hold, Whose tool of politicks is gold, r.y that, in former reigns, 'tis said, The knave in pow'r hath senates led ; By that alone he svvay'd debates. Enrich' d himself, and beggar'd states. Forego your boast. You must conclude, That's most esteem'd that's most pursu'd. Think too in what a woful plight That wretch must live whose pocket's light. Are not his hours by want deprest.'' Penurious care corrodes his breast. Without respect, or love, or friends. His solitary day descends.

You might, says Cupid, doubt mv parts, My knowledge too in human hearts, Should I the pQw'r of gold dispute, Which great examples might confute. I know, when nothing else prevails, Persuasive money seldom fails ; That beauty too, like other wares. Its price, as well as conscience, bears. Then marriage, as of late profest. Is but a money -job at best. Consent , compliance may be sold ; But love's beyond the price of gold. Smugglers there are who by retail Expose what they call love to sale. Such bargains are an arrant cheat : You purchase flatt'ry and deceit. Those who true love have ever tried, (The common cares of life supplied)

FABLES BY JOHN GAY.

No wants endui'e, no wishes make,

But ev'ry real joy partake.

All comfort on themselves depends :

They want not pow'r , nor wealth, nor friends.

Love then hath ev'ry bliss in store :

'Tis friendship, and 'tis something more.

Each other ev'ry wish they give :

Not to know love, is not to live.

Or love, or money. Time replied. Were men the question to decide, Would hear the prize : on both intent, My boon's neglected or mispent. *Tis I who measure vital space, .And deal out vears to human race. Though little priz'd, and seldom sought, Without jne love and gold are nought. How does the miser time employ ? Did I e'er see him life enjoy.** By me forsook, the hoards he won Are scatter' d by his lavish son. By me all useful arts are gain'd; Wealth, learning, wisdom, is attain'd, Who then would think, since such my pow'r, That e'er I knew an idle hour .' So subtle and so swift I fly, Love's not more fugitive than I, Who hath not heard coquettes complain Of days, months, years, mispent in vain ? For time misus'd they pine and waste, And love's sweet pleasure never taste. Those who direct iheix time aright, If love or wealth their hopes excite, In each pursuit fit hours employ'd, And both by lime have been enjoy 'd. How heedless then are mortals grown ! How little is their int'rest known '

PART TilE SLCO:SD. la ev'ry view they ought to mind ine; For when ouce lost they never find me. He spoke. The goils no more contest. And his superior gift confest. That lime, 'when truly understood, Is the most precious earthly good.

k-».»-fc-V». ■»/W».T

FABLE XIV.

THE OWL, THE SWA.N, THE COCK, THE SPIDER, THE A.SS, A.N1) THE FARMER.

To a Mother.

V^ ONVERsiNG with your sprightly boys, Your eyes have spoke the mother's joys. With what delight I've heard you quote Their sayings in imperfect note .'

I grant, in hody and in mind, Nature appears profusely kind. Trust not to that. Act you your part; Imprint just morals on their heart; Impartially their talents scan : Just education forms the man.

Perhaps ( their genius yet unknown ) Each lot of li.'e's already thrown ; That this shall plead, the next shall fight, The last assert the rliurch's right. I censure not the fond intent; But how precarious is th' event J By talents misapplied and crost, Consider, all your sons are lost.

One day ( the tale's by Martial penn'd ) A father thus address'd his friend :

,2 FABLES BY JOHN GAY.

To train my boy, and call fortli sense, You know I've stuck at no expence, I've tried him in the sev'ral arts, ( The lad, no doubt, hath latent parts ) Yet trying all, he nothing knows ; But, crab-like, rather backward goes. Teach me what yet remains undone; 'Tis your advice shall fix my son. Sir, says the friend, I've weigh'd the matter. Excuse me, for I scorn to flatter : Make him ( nor think his genius checkt) A herald or an architect.

Perhaps, as commonly 'tis knawn, He heard thadvice, and took his own.

The boy wants wit : he's sent to school, Where learning but improves the fool : The college next must give him parts, And cram him with the lib'ral arts. Whether he blunders at the bar, Or owes his infamy to war ; Or. if by licence or degree The sexton shares the doctor's fee; Or from the jiulpit by the hour He weekly floods of nonsense ponr, We find ( th' intent of nature foil'd ) A tailor or a butcher spoil'd.

Thus ministers have royal boons Conferr'd on blockheads and buffoons •. In spite of nature, merit, wit, Their friends for ev'ry post were fit.

But now let ev'ry muse confess That merit finds its due success. Th' examples of our days regard ; Where's virtue seen without reward ? Distingnish'd, and in place, you find Desert and worth of ev'ry kind.

PART THE S E C O ^I D. ,/, 3

Survey the rev'reud bench and .see Religion, learning, piety ; The patron, ere he recommends. Sees his own image in his friend s. Is honesty disgrac'd and poor? What is't to us what was before ?

We all of times corrupt have heard, When paltry minions were preferr'd; When all great oflloes,by dozens. Were illl'd by brothers, sons, and cousins. What matter ignorance and pride ? The man was happily allied. Provided that his clerk was good, Wbat though he nothing understood ? In church and state, the sorry race Grew more conspicdous fools in place. Such heads, as then a treaty made. Had bungled in the cobler's trade.

Consider, patrons, that such elves Expose your folly with themselves, 'lis yours, as 'tis the parent's c-are. To fix each genius in its sphere. Your partial hand can wealth dispense. But never give a blockhead sense. An owl of magisterial air, Of solemn voice, of brow austere, Assum'd the pride of human race, And bore his Avisdom in his face; Not to depreciate learned eyes, I've seen a pedant look as wise. .

Within a barn, from noise retir'd. He scorn'd the world, himself admir'dj And, like an ancient sage, conceal'd The follies publick life reveai'd.

Philosophers of old he read, Their country's youth to science bred,

lAULES BY JOHN GAY. Their luauners forin'd for ev'ry station And destiu'd each his occupation. When \criophon, by numbers brav'd, Jletreated, and a people sav'd, That laurel \vas not all his own ; The plant by Socrates was sown. To Aristotle's greater name The Macedonian ow'd his fame.

Th' Athenian bh'd, with pride replete. Their talents equall'd in conceit ; And, copying the Socratick rule. Set up for master of a school. Bogmatick jargon learnt by heart , Trite sentences hard terms of art. To vulgar ears seem'd so profound, , They fancied learning in the sound.

The school had fame : the crowded place With pupils sAvarm'd of ev'ry race. "With these the swan's maternal care Had sent her scarce-fledg'd cygnet heir: The hen, tho' fond and loth to part. Mere lodg'd the darling of her heart: The spider, of mechanick kind, Aspir'd to science more refin'd : 'I'he ass learnt metaphors and tropes, r>ut most on musick llx'd his hopes.

The pupils uow,advanc'd in age, VVerc cali'd to tread life's busy stage ; A ad to the master 'twas submitted. That each might to his part be filled.

The swan , says he, in arms shall shine ; The soldier's glorious (oil be thine. The cock shall mighty >veallh attain : Go, seek it on the stormy main.

The court shall be the spider's sphere I Pon'r, fortune ,. shall reward him theij.

PART the' SECOND. 145

In musick's art the ass's fame Shall eiuulate Corelli's name.

Each took the part that he advis'd, And all were equally despis'd. A farmer, at his folly raov'd, The dnll preceptor thus reprov'd :^

r>lockhead, says he, by what you've done, One would have thoupi^ht 'em each your son : For parents, to their offspring blind, Consult nor parts nor turn of mind ; l)Ut ev'n in infancy decree \Miat this, what t'other son should be. Had you with judgment welgn'd the case, *

Their genius tli^us had lix'd thei^; pla'ce. The swan had learnt the sailor's art: The cock had play'd the soldier's part ; The spider in the weaver's trade With credit had a fortune made ; But for the foal, in ev'ry class The blockhead had appear'd an aas.

FABLE XV.

THE COOK-MAID, THE TURNSPfr,AND THE OX.

To a poof Man. "

V^ o N s 1 1) E.R man in ev'ry sphere, Then tell me, is your lot severe.^ 'Tis rauvmuc, tiisconteut, distrust. That makes you wretched. God is just.

I grant that hunger idusj he i'ed^ That t^il too earns thy daily bread.

i3

146 FABLES BY JOHN GAY.

What tlien? Thy wants are seen and known : But ev'ry mortal feels his own. We're born a restless needy crew : Shew me the happier man than yon.

Adam, though bless'd above his kind, For want, of social woman pin'd. Eve's wants the subtle serpent saw, Her fickle taste transgress' d the liiw : Thus fell our sires ; and their disgrace The curse entail'd on human race.

When Philip's son, by glcgy led, Had o'er the g^obe his empire spread; When altars to his name were dress'd, That he was man his tears confess'd.

The hopes of avarice are checkt : The proud man always wants respect. What various wants on pow'r attend ! Ambition never gains its end. WJio hath not heard the rich complain Of surfeits' and corporeal pain.*^ He, barr'd from ev'ry use of wealth , TInvies the ploughman's strength and health. Another in a beauteous wife Finds all the miseries of life : Domestick jars and jealous fear Imbitter all his days with care. * This wants an heir; the line is lost ; Why was that vain email ingrost.** iCanstthou discern another's mind? Why is't you envy.** Envy's blitd. ,Tell Envy, when she would annoy* That thousands want what you enjoy.

The dinner must be*dish'd at one. Where's this vexatious turnspit* gone.** Unless the srulking curis caught, The surloin's spoil'd, and I'm in fank.

PART THE SECOND. i

Thus said; ( for sure you'll think it fit That i the cook-ma, d's oaths orait ) Wifh all the/ury of a cook, Her cooler kitchen Nan forsook. The hroomstick o'er her head j-he waves; She Sweats, she stamps, she puffs, she raves. The sneaking cur before her flies : She whistles, calls ; fair speech she tries : These nought avail. Her choler burns ;. The fist and cudgel threat by turns : With hasty, stride sl^ pregies near ; He slinks aloof, and howls with fear. Was ever cur so curs'd .' he cried, What star did at my birth preside ! Am I for life by compact bound To tread the wheel's eternal round.' Inglorious task ! Of all, our race No slave is half so mean and base. Had fate a kinder lot assign'd. And form'd me of the lap-dog kind, I then, in higher life cmploy'd. Had indolence and ease enjoy'd ; And, like a gentleman, carest, Had been the lady's fav'rite guest : Or were I sprui»g from spaniel line, Was his sagacious nostril mine, r.y me, their never erring guide, l''rom wood and plain their feasts supplied, Knights> squires, attendant on my pace, Had shar'd the pleasures of the chase. Endu'd with native strength and lire, Why call'd I not the lion sire ? A lion! such mean views I scorn. Why was I not of woman born? Who dares with reason's pow'r contend ? On man vrt brutal slaves depend :

148 FABLES BY JOHN GAY.

To him all creatures tribute pay, And luxury ejaiploys his day. •

An ox by chance o'erheai<l his moan, And thus rebuk'd the lazy drone:

Dare you at partial late repine? How kind's your lot compar'd with mine ! Decreed to toii,the barb 'rous knife Hath sPAer'd nie from social life ; TJrg'd l)y the stimulating:^ g^^ad, I drag the cutubroris ^vapgoii's load: 'Tis mine to ta^e the stubb.orri plain Break the s.tiff soil, and house th%' grain : Y'et I without a murmur bear The various labours of the year-. T>ut then consider that 6ne day ( Perhaps the hour's not far a\v;jy ) You, by the duties of your post, Shall turn the spit when I'm the roast ; And for reward shall share the feast, I mean shall pick my bones at least.

'Till now, th' astonish'd cur replies, I look'd on all with envious eyes. How false we judge by what appears -' All creatures feci their several cares. If thus yon mighty beast complains, Perhaps man knows superior pain*. Let envy then no n5ore torment. Think on the o.x, and learn content.

Thus ^id ; close foH'wing at her heel. With chea^'ful heart he mounts the wheel.

PART THE SECOND. •; 149

FABLE XVI.

THE RAVENS, THE SEXTON, ANf) THE FARTHWORM.

To Laura.

Ju A.URA, niellxiuks you're over-nice. True. Flatt'ry is a shocking vice ; Yet sure, vshcne'cr the praise is just^ One may coiuiueud without disgust. Am I a privilege denied, Indulg'd by ev'ry tongue beside .•* How singular are all your uays .' A woman, and averse to praise .' If 'tis oiTence such truths to tell, Why do your merits thus excel .►*

Since then I dare not speak my mind, A truth conspicuous to mankind ; Though in full lustre ev'ry grace Distinguish your celestial face : Though bt allies of inferior ray Like stars before tbc orb. of day Turn pale and fade ; I check my lays, Admiring what I dare not praise.

If you the tribute due disdain, The muse's mortifying strain Shall, hke a woman, in mere spite. Set beauty in a moral light,

Thougk such revenge might shock the eiir Of many a celebrated fair ; I mean that superficial race Whose thoughts ne'er reach bevopd their face ;

i3.

■PABLES BY JOHN CAY. What's that to you ? I but displease Such ever-girlish ears as these. Tirtue can brook the thoughts of age. That lasts the same through ev'ry stage. Though you by time must suffer more Than ever woman lost before ; To age is such indiff'rence shown, As if yout face were not yoxir own.

AVere you by Antoninus taught.^ Or is it native strength of thought, That thus, Avithout concern or fright, ' You view yourself by reason's light? Those eyes of so divine a ray. What are ttrey ? Mduld'ring, mortal clay. Those features, cast in heav'nly mould. Shall, like my coaj"ser earth, grow old ; Like common grass, the fairest flowV Must feel the hoary season's pow'r.

How weak, how vain is human pride ! Dares man upon-himself confide.-* The wretch who glories in his gain Amasses heaps on heaps in vain. Why lose we life in anxious cares To lay in hoards for future years .*' Can those, when tortur'd by disease, Chear our sick heart, ot purchase case.^ Can those prolong one gasp of breath, Or calm the troubled hour oi death?

What's beauty ? Call ye that your own ? A flow'r that fades as soon as blown. What's man in all his boast of sway ? Perhaps the tyrant of a day.

Alike the laws of life take place Throij^h ev'ry branch of human race :' The monarch of long regal line Was rais'^l from dust as frail as mine.

PART THE SECOND. Oil he pour health into his veins, Or cool the fever's restless p^ns ? Can he, worn down in nature s course, New-brace his feeble nerves with ftncv? Can he (how vain is mortal pow'r !) Stretch life beyond the destin'd liour? Consider, man ; weigh well th5»frame ; The king, the beggar is the same. Dust form'd us all. Each breathes his day, Then sinks into his native clay.

Beneath a venerable yew, 'Xnat in the lonely church-yard grew. Two ravens sate. In solemn croak Thus one his huugi-y friend bespoke :

Methinks I scent some rich repast ; The savour streAgthens with the blast: Snutf then, the prorais'd feast inhale ; I taste the carcase in the gale. Near yonder trees, the farmer's steed, From toil and daily drudg'ry freed, Hath i^roan'd his last. A, dainty treat ! To birds of taste delicious meat.

A sexton, busy at his trade. To hear their chat suspends his spade. Death struck him with no farther thought Than merely as the fees he brought. Was ever two such blund'ring fools, In brains and manners less than owls ! Blockheads, says he, learn move respect: Know ye on whom yOu thus reflect ? In this same grave (who does me ri^lit. Must own the work is strong and tight) The 'squire that yon fair hall possess'd, • To-night shall lay his bones at rest. Whence could the gross mistake proceed The 'squire was somewhat fat indeed.

TABLES BY JOHN GAY. What then ? The meanest bird of.prey Such want of sense could ne'er betray : For sure some diff'reuce must be found • (Suppose the smellinp organ sound) In carcasses, (say. what we can) Or where's the dignity of man ?

With d\M respect to human race, The ravens undertook the case. In such similitude pi scent, Man ne'er could think reflexions meant. As Epicures extol a treat, And seem their sav'ry words to eat, * They prais'd dead horse, lux.urious food, The ven'son of the prescienl. brood.

The sexton's indignation mov'd, The mean comparison repix.v'd ; Their undisceriung palate blyni'd, Which two-lcgg'd carrion thus defam'd.

Reproachful speech from either side The want of argument supplied : They rail, revile; as often ends The contest of jdisputing friends.

Hohl, says the fowl ; since buman price With confutation neV'v complied, • Let's state the case, aad ilieu refer The knotty point : for tastes may err.

As thus he spoke, from out the mould An earth-woru), hupe of size, unroU'd His monstrous length. They strait agree To phoose him as their referee. So to th' experience of his jaM« Eacli states the merits of the cause. • He paus'd, and with a solenw tone Thus made bis sage opini<ln knowu.

On. carcasses ol ev'ry kind This maw hath elegantly din'd;

, PART THE SECOND. Provok'd by luxury or need, Oa beast, or fowl, or man I feed: Such small distinction's in the savour, By turns I choose the fancied flavour, Yet I must own, that huniao beast, A glutton, is the rankest feast. Man, cease this boast ; for human pride liath various tracts to range beside. The prince who kept the world in awe, Tiie judge whose dictate iix'd the law, The rich, the poor, the great, the small, Are leveli'd. Death confounds tliem all. Then think not that we reptiles share Such cates, such elegance of fare : The only true and real good Of man was never vermin's food. 'Tis seated in th' immortal mind ; Virtue distinguishes mankind. And that , as yet ne'er harbour'd here. Mounts with the soul we know not where. So, good man sexton, since the case Appears with such a dubious face. To neither I the cause determitie ; l''or diff'rent tastes please diffrent vermin.

#

1^

FABLES

FOR THE FEMALE SEX^

BY EDWARD MOORE,

PREFACE.

X HE following fables we rewritten at intervals, when I foynd mvseif in humour, and disengaged from matters of greater moment. As tbey are the writings of an idle hour, so they are invaded for .the reading of those, whose onJy business is amusement. My hopes of f)rofit, or applause, aA'e not immoderate; nor have I printed through necessity, or request of friends. I have' leave from her Royal Highness to ad- dress her, and I claim the Fair for my readers. My fears are lighter than icy expectations: I wrote to please myself, and I publish to please others; and this so universally, that I have not wished for cor- rectness to rob the critick of his censure, or my friend of the laugh.

My intimates are few, and I am not solicitous to iucrease them. I have learnt that where the writer, would please, the man should be unknown. An au- thor is the reverse of all other objects, and magni/ie.s by distance, but diminishes by approach. His private attachments must give place to pnblick favour; for no man can forgive his friend the ill-natured attempt of being thought wiser than himself.

To avoid therefore the misfoitunes that may at- tend me from auy accidental succ^s, I think il ne- cessary to inform those who know me that I ha^e been assisted in the follovving papers by the aiul-.or of Gustavus Vasa. Let the crime of pleasing be his. whose talents as a writer, and ^^hose virtues as a man, have rendered him a 1 circle of his acquaintance.

FABLES

BY

EDWARD MOORE.

%.'«/%.»^«^».».-«.-».>

FABLE I.

THE EAGLE AND THE ASSEMBLY OF BIRDS.

To her Royal Highness the princess of Wales.

f

i HE morai lay , to beauty dne, I write, fair excellence , to you ; Wei pleas'd to hope my vacant hours Have been empioy'd.to sweeten yours. Truth under fictional impart. To weed out folly from theheartj And shew the paths that lead astray The wand'ring nymj)h from wisdom's wav,

I flatter none. The great audjgood Ar<? by their actions understood ; Your monument if actions raise, Shall I deface by idle praise ? I echo not the voice of fame. That Jivells delighted on your name; Her friendly tale, however true, Were flaft'ry, 1/ I told it you.

The- protid, the envious , and the "Wiin, The jilt, the prude, demand my strain^ To these, detesting praise, I write. And vent, in charity, my ^pite : ,

FABLES With friendly hand I hold the glass To all promiscuous as they pass ; Should folly there her Ukeness view, I fret not that the mirror's true ; If the fantastick form offend, I made it not, hut would amend.

Virtue, in ev'ry clime and age, Spurns at the folly-soathing page, While satire, that offends tlie ear Of vice and passion, pleases htr.

Premising this, your anger spare, And claim the fable you who dare.

The birds in place, by factions press'd, To Jupiter their pray'rs address'd; By specious lies the state was vex'd, Their councils libellers perplex'd ; They begg'd ( to stop seditious tongues } A gracious hearing of their wrongs. Jove grants their suit. The eagle sate "Decider of the grand debate.'

The pie, to trust and pow'r preferr'd, Demands permission to be heard, Says he, Prolixity of }ihras£ You know I hate. This libel says, a Some birds there are who, prone to noise, « Are hir'd to silence wisdom's voice, « And, skill'd to chatter out the hour, « Rise by their emptiness to pow'r. >• That this is aim'd direct at me, No doubt you'll readily agree ; Yet well this sage assembly knows ^ By parts to government I'rose ; My prudent counsels prop the state; Magpies were never known to prate.

The kite rose up*. His honest h< art In vitljic's suff rings bore a'pnrt.

BY EDWARD MOOllF. That there were birJs of prey he knew ; So far the libeller said true ; « Voracious, bold, to rapine prone, « Who knew no int'rest but their ovmi ; « Who hov'ring o'er the farmer's yard, • <t Nor pigeon, chick, nor duckUng, spar'd : This might be true , but if applied To him, in troth, the sland'rer lied. Since iga'raijce then might be misled, Such things, he thought, were best unsaid.

The crow was vex'd. As yester-morn He flew across the new-sown corn, A screaming boy wasset for pay, He knew, to drive the crow.s away, Scandal had found him out in turn, And buzz'd abroad that crows love corn.

The owl arose with solemn face, • And thus harangu'd upon the case: That magpies j)rate it may be true; A kite may be voracious too; Crows sometimes deal in new-sown pease : He libels not who strikes at these ; The slander's here — « But there are birds, « Whose wisdom lies in looks, not words; « Blundrers vsho level in the dark, « Aad always shoot beside the mark. » He names not me; but these are hints, Which manifest at whom he squints ; I were indeed that blundring fowl, To question if he meant an owl.

Ye wretches, hence ! the eagle cries, 'Tis conscience, conscience that apphes ; The virtuous mind takes no alarm, Secur'd by innocence from harm ; While guilt, and his associate fear, Are startled at the passing air.

i6o FABLES

k'».'«.^%-w-«,'v -i-l

^ FABLE II.

THE PANTHER, THE HOUSE, AKD OTHER BEASTS.

J. H E man, who sects to win tiie fair, ( So custom says ) must truth forbear ; Must fawu anil flatter, cringe and lie, Abd raise the goddvss to the sky. For trutli is hateful to her car, A rudeness. v\hich she cannot bear. A rudeness .'* Yes. I sp'eak my thoughts ; For truth upbraids her >Yith her faults.

How wretche'd, Chloc, then am I, WIio love you , and yet cannot he .' And still, to make you less my friend, I strive your Errors to amend .' Eut shall the senseless fop impart The softest passion to your heart. While he' who tells you hone^ truth. And points to happiness your youth. Determines byhis care his lot, And lives neglected and forgot ?

Trust me, my dear 5 with greater ease Your taste for llalt'ry I could please. And similies m each didlline. Like jtIow- ' orms in the dark, should .'-hine. What, if I say your lips disclose * ■-• The freshness of the op'ninc rose .•* Or that your checks are beds ol flow'rs, Fnripen'd by refreshing show'rs.i' Yet certain as these flow'rs shall fade, 'J ime cv'rv beauty will in>'ade. •

BY EDWATxD MOORE. i .,

The butterfly , of various hue, More than the flow'r resemhle-s you ; lair, fluttring^, fickle, busy thing, To pleasure ever on the winrj. Oayly coquetting for an hour. To die and ne'er be thougbt of more.

■V^'ould you the bloom of youth should last ? 'Tis virtue that must bind it fast ; An easy carriage, wholly free From sour reserve , or levily ; • . Good-natur'd mirth, an open heart. And looks unsVib'd in any art ; Hurii'llty, enough to own The frailties which a friend raaki^s known : And decent pride, enough to know The worth that virtue can bestow.

These are the charms, which ne'er decav, Though youth and beauty fade away; And time, which all things else removes, Still heightens virtue, and improves.

You'll frown, and ask to what intent This blunt address to you is sent ? I'll spare the question, and confess I'd praise ^ou if I lov'd you less ; But rail, be angry, or complain, ' I will be rude, while you are vain.

Beneath a lion-'s peaceful reign , ^Then beasts met friendly on the plain, A panther of majestick port, ( The vainest female of th^ court ) With spotted skin, and eyes of lire, Fill'd ey'ry bosom with desire. Where e'er she mov'd, a servile crowd Of fawning creatures ci^ng'd and bow"d. Assemblies ev'ry week she held ( Like modern belles ) with coxcombs fiU'd,

14.

i62 • FABLES

Where noise, and npnsensc,ancl ijrlmace, And lies, and scandal, flird the place.

Behold the cfay, fantaslick thiug. Encircled by the spacious ring J Low-bo\vin<2f,\vith important lobl^. As first in rank, the monkey spoke. Gad take me, madam'.' but I svsear, No angel ever look'd so fair: Forgive my rudeness, but I vow You were ^ot quite divine till now. Xhose limbs ! that shape ! ajid then those eyes! (), close them , or the gazea- die's .' —

Nay, gentle png ! for goodness hush , I vow, and swear you make me blush, I shall he angry at this rate ; 'Tis so like flatt'ry, wh ch I hate. -=-

The fox, in deeper cunning vcrs'd, The beauties of her mind rehears'd. And talk'd of k.nowledge, taste, and sense, To which the fair have vast pretence ! Yet wtII he knew them always vain Of what they strive pot to attain. And play'd so cunningly his jart, That pug was rival'd in his art. •

The goat aVow'd his am'rous flame. And burnt — for what he durst not name ; Yet hop'd a meeting in the wood ^

Might make bis meaning understood. Half angry at the bold address, She frown'd ; but yet she must confess. Such beauties might inflame his b]of)d; But still his phrase was somewhat rude.

The hog her neatness much admir'd ; The formal ass her sv^if^ness lir'd ; While all to feed her folly sti;ove. And hy their praises shar'd her love.

BY EDWARD MOORK. jdS

The horse, whose gen'rouWienrt disdaiu'iJ

Applause by servile llatt'ry f^ain'd,

With graceful cotirage silence broke,

And thus with indiguation spoke :

When flatt'ring monkeys fawn and prate,

They justly raise contempt , or hale ;

]'"or merit's turn'd to ridicule,

Applauded by the grinning fool.

The artful foK'your wit commends,

To lure you to his seliish ends ;

From the vile flatt'rer turn av\fiy,

for knaves make friendships to betray.

Dismiss the train of fops and fOols,

And learn to live by wisdom's rules ;

Such beauties might the liOn warm,

Did not your folly break the charm ;

For who would coprt that lovely shape,

To he (he rival of an ape ?

He said ; arTd, snorting in cUsdain,

Spurn'd at the cro^v<i and sought the plain.

FABLlE III.

THE NIGHTi::^GA.LE AND GLOW-WORM.

X HE prudei^t nynaph, whose cheeks disclose The lilly and the blushing rose. From publick view her tfharrys will screen. And rarely in the crowd be seen ; This simple truth shall keep her wise, « The fairest fruits attract the flies > .

One night a glow-worm, proud and vain. Coatemplatibg her i^UtVring train,

i'6^ FABXES

Cried, Sure ^eve never \^ as in nature So elegant, so fine a creature ! All other insects, that I gee, The frugal ant, industrious bee, Or silk-worm, with contempt I view, With all that low raechanick ci'ew Who servilely their lives employ In bus'ness, enemy to joy. >

Mean vulgar herd ! ye are mv scorn; For grandeur only I was born. Or sure am sprung from race divine, Andplac'd on earth to live and shine. Those lights, that sparkle so on high, Are but the glow-worm^ of the slej'; And kings on earth their gems admire, Uecatise they imitate my fire.

Slie spoke. Attentive on a spray A nightingale forbore his lay ; He saw the shining morsel near. And flew, directed by the glare ; Awhile he gaz'd with sober look. And thus the trembling prey bespoke :

Deluded fool, with pride elate! Know 'tis thy beauty brings thy fate : Less dazzling, long thou might'sthave laiu 'Unhi'eded on the velvet plain : Pnde, soon or late, degraded mourns, And beauty wrecks whom she adorns.

PA^LE IV.

HYMEN AltD DEATH.

Sixteen, d'ye say ? Nay then 'tis time: Another year clesHoys your prime..

BY EDWARD MOORE. iGJ

P.ut stay.* — The settlement 1 vf That's ma.Ie. » Why then's my simjple girl afraid :' Yet hold a moment, if you can, And heedfully the fable scan.

The shades were fled, the mornlnfj blush'd, The winds were in their caverns husli'd. When hymen, pensive and sedate, Held o'er the fields his musing fjait. Behind him, throug-h the green .wood shade. Death's meagre form the god survty'd ; Who quickly, Avith gigant;ck stride. Out-went his pace and join'd his side. The chat on various subjects rau, Till angry hymen thus began.

Relentless death, whose iron sway Mortals reluctant must obey, Still of thy pow'r shall I complain. And thy too partial hand arraign ? When Cupid brings a pair of ht;arts, All over stuck with equal darts. Thy cruel shafts my hopes deride. And cut the knot that hymen tied.

Shall not the bloody, and the bold, The miser hoarding up his gold, The harlot reeking from the stew, Alone thy fell revenge pursue ? Rut must the gentle, and the kind, Thy fury, undistinguished, find ?

The monarch calmly thus replied ; Weigh well the cause, ^nd then decide. That friend of yours you lately nam'd, Cupid, alone is to be blam'd ; •

Then let the charge be [ustly laid ; That idle boy neglects his trade, And hardly once in twenty tears A couple to your temrlc bears.

66 • FABLES

The wretclaes,whom your, office blende, Silenus now, or Plutus sends ; Hence care, and bitterness, and strife. Are common to the nuptial life.

BeUeve me ; more than all mankind, Your.vot'ries my compassion find ; Yet cruel am I cail'd, and base , Who 'seek the wretched to release ; The captive from his bonds to free .

• Indissoluble but for me.

'Tis I entice him to the yoke : By me, your crowded altars smoke : For mortals boldly dare the noose. Secure that dealh will set them loose.

FABLE V.

THE rOET AND HIS PATRON.

V V H Y, Coelia, is your spreading waist So loose, so negligently lac'd? Why must the w rapping bed gowji hide Your snowy bosOm's swelling pride ? Hbw ill that dress ador-ns your head, Distain'd, and rumpled from the bed J Those clouds, tliat shade your blooming face, A little Water might displace. As nature cv'ry morn bestows The crystal dew to cleanse the rose. Those tresses, as the raven black. That wav'd in ringlets down your back, llncomb'd, and iujur'd by neglect, Destroy the face, which once they deck'd.

«Y EDWARD MOORE.

Whence this forgetfulness of dress ? Pray, madam, are you married ? — Yes. IN'ay, then indeed the wonder ceases. No matter now ho^v loose your dress is ; The end is won, your fortunes made ; Your sister now may take' the trade.

Alas I what pity 'tis to find This fault in half the female kind ! From hence proceed aversion, strife, And all that sours the wedded life. Beauty can only point the dart, • ' Tis neatness <;uides it to the heart ; Let neatness then and beauty strive To keep a wav'ring flame alive.

'Tis harder far (you'll flhd it true) To keep the conquest, than subdue ;" Admit us once behind the screen, What is there farther to he seen ? A newer face may raise the flame, But ev'ry woman is the same.

Then study chiefly to improve^ The charm that lixd your husband's love. Weigh well his humour. W^as it dress That gave your beauty pov>'r to'blcss.'' Pursue it stdl ; be neater seen ; 'Tis always frugal to be cleaij ; So shall you keep alive desire, And time's swift wing shall fan the lac.

la garret high ( as stories say ) A poet sung his tuneTul lay : So soft, so smooth'his verse, yoii'd sweac Apollo and the Muses there ; Thro' all the town his praises rung. His sonnets at th'e playhouse sung ; High waving o'er ids lab 'ring head The goddess want her piulous sprc-«d, •

1 08 FABLES

And witli poetlck fury fir'd, What Phoebus faintly had inspir'd.

A noble yowth of taste arid wit Approv'd the .sprightly things he writ, And sought him in his cobweb dome. Discharg'd his rent and brought him home.

Behold him at the stately board, Who, but the poet, and tny lord .' Each day dehciously he dines, ■ And greedy quaffs the gen'rous wines : His sides were plump, his skin was sleek, And plenty wanton' d on his cheek ; Astonish'd at the change so new, Awav th' inspiring goddess flew.

Now, dropt for politiclfs and news, Neglected lay the drooping muse. Unmindful whence his fortune came, He stifled the poetick "flame ; Nor tale, nor sonnet, for my lady, Lampoon, nor epigram was ready.

With just contempt his patron saw, * ( Resolv'd his bounty to withdraw) And thus, with anger in his look, The late repenting fool bespoke.

Blind to the good that courts tbee grown, Whence has the sun of favour shftne.^ Delighted with thy tuneful art. Esteem was growing in mv heart, But idly thou rrject'st the charm. That gave it birth, and kept it warm.

Unthinjiing fools alone dps})ise The arts that taught them first to rise.

BY EDWARD MOORE. ' 169

FABLE VI.

THE WOLt, THE SHEEP, XND THE LAME.

iJ u T Y demands , the parents' voice * * Should sanctify tlie daughter's choice; lu that is. due obedience shewn : To choose belongs to her alone.

ivlay honour seize his midiiijzht hour, Who builds upon a parent's pov. 'r. And claims, by purchase vile and base, The loathiuig maid for his embrace I Hence virtue sickens ; and the breast, "'•Vhere peace had built her downy nest, Becomes the troubled seat of care, And pines «1th anguish and despair.

A wolf, rapacious, rough, and bold. Whose nightly plundets thinn'd the fold, Contera plating his ill spent life. And cloy'd with thefts, would take a wife. His purposeTi-nown, the savage race la num'rous crowd.s attend the place ; For why, a mighty wolf he was. And held dominion in bis jaws. Her fav'rite whelp each mother brouglit, And humbly Ms alliance sought ; Rut cold by age. or *e!se too nice, None found acceptance in his eyes.

It happen'd, as at*arly dawn He solitary cross'd the lawn, Stray'd from the fold, a sportive Iamb Skipp'd V, antonlay her (Icccy d.:.m ;

I 5

1 ABLES When Cupicl, foe to man and beast, Discliarg'd an arrow at his breast.

The tiin'rous breed tlie robber knew, An4 trembbuc: o'er the meadow flew. Their nimblest speed the woll' o'ertook, Aud courteous thits the dam bespoke :

Stay, fairest ! aud suspend your fear ; Trust me, uo enemy is near : TUe»e jaws, in shuighter oft imbrir'd. At length have kuov\n enough of blood ; Aud kiudfer business brings mje now. Vanquished at beauty's feet to bow. You have a daughter — Sweet.' forgive A wolf's address — In her 1 live : Love from her eyes like lightning came., And set my marrow all on flame ; Let your consent conlum my choice, And ratify our nuptial joys.

Me ample wealth and pow'r attend. Wide o'er the plains my realm* extend ; What midnight robber dare invade The fold, if I the guijrd am made ? At home the shepherd's cur may sleep, While I secure hi.s master's sheep.

Discourse like thi^ attcntio* claim'd ; " Grandeur the mother's breast infiam'd ; Now fearless by his side she walk'd, Of settlements and jointures talk'd ; Propos'd, and doubled her demands Of llovv'ry fields, and turnijjplands. The wolf agrees : her bosom swells ; To Miss Tier hajjpy fate she tells ; And, of the grand alliaice vain, Contemns her kindred of the plain.

The loathing lamb with honour hears, Afid wearies out her dam with pray'rs :

R Y E D ^V A Tl D M OGRE. But all in vain ; mamma bVst knew "VVkat unexperienc'cl girls should do ; So, to the neighboring meadow carried, A formal ass the couple married.

Torn from the tyrant-mother's side, Ths trembler goes, a Victim-bride ; Reluctant meets the rnde embrace, And blents among the hov>ling race. With horrour oft her eyes behold ^Ter murder'd kindred of the fold ; ^ Each day a sister-lamb is serv'd. And at the gluttonf's table carv'd ; The crashing bones he grinds for food. And slakes his thirst with streaming blood.

Love, who the cruel mind detests, And lodges but in gentle breasts, "Was now no more. Enjoyment past, The savage hunger'd for the feast ; But ( as we find in human race, A mask concerils the villain's face ) .Uistice must authorize the treat ; Till then he long'd, but durst not eat.

As forth he walk'd in quest of prey, The hunters met him on the w ay ; I'ear wlugs his flight ; the marsh he sought , The snuffing dogs are set at fault. His stomach balk'd, now hunger gnaws ; Hovyling, he grinds his empty jaw s ; Food must "be had, and lamb is nigh 5 His ma\v invokes the fraudlul lie. Is this ( dissemb^u'4^ ra^f ■> be cficd ) The gentle virtue of a bride ? That, leage'd with man's destroying race, She sets her husband for the chase ; By treach'ry prompts the noisy hound To scent his footsteps on the ground i'

FABLES. Tlioa trait' re63 vile ' for this thy blood Shall glut ray rage a-nd die the vsood'l

So saying, ou the lamb he flies, Beneath his jaws the victim dies.

FABL'E VII.

TOE GOOSE A:MD THE SVVA^S.

X HATE the face, however fair,

That carries an affected air; .

The lisping tone, the shape constrain'd,

The studied look, the passion feign'd,

Are fopperies which only tend

To injure what they strive to mend.

With what superior grace enchants The face which nature's pencil paints; Where eyes, unexercis'd in art,' .Glow \\ith the meaning of the heart; Where freedom, and good-humour sit, Aiid easy gaiety, and wit ! Tho'Tgh perfect beauty be notjlhel-e. The master- '.iues, the linish'd ai'r. We catch from ev'ry look delight, . And grow enamour'd at the sight : For beauty, though we all approve,- Excites our wonder more than love ; While the agreeable strikes sure, And gives the wounds ^e cannot cure.

Why then, my Araoret, this care That forms you, in effect, less fair."* If nature on your cheek bestows A bloom that emulates the rose,

BY EDWARD MOORE,

Or from some heav'nly image drew A form Apelles never kn<->vv. Your ill- judg'd aid vvili yoa iiiipart. And spoil by raereti-iclous art? Or liad you, nature's error, come At^rtive frond the mother's worah. Your forniiruT care she still rejiH,fs, Which only heightens Ifer defects. Wiien such, of glitt'ring jewels pi'ond, Still press the foremost in the crowd, At ev'ry puljlick shew are seen, With look awry, and aukward mien. The gaudy dress attracts the eye, Aud maguiJles deformity.

Nature may underdo her part, But seldom wants the help of art: Trust her, she is your surest friend; Nor made your form for you to ra?ud.

A goose, affected, empty," vain. The shrillest of the cackling train. With proud and elevated crest, Precedence claim'd above the rest.

Says she : I laugh at human race. Who say geese hobble in th'eif pace ; Look here I — the sland'rous lie dttttU; Not haughty man is so erect. That peacock yonder, lord ! how a ain The creature's of his gaudy train! If both were stript, I'd pawrkmy word, A goose Avould be the finer bird. Nature, to hide her own delects. Her bungled w ork w^ith linery ded.s ; Were geese set off with half tha t show, W^ould men atlmire the {)ericock ? Nc.

Thus vaunting cros^ the mrad'she stall..'; ; The cackling breed attend her w.ilks ;

I 5,

4

FABLES

The suu shot dovro liis ;aoon-tide beams , Tlie sAvans were sporting iu the streams ; Tlielr snowy plumes nnd stately j)ride Provok'd her spleen. Why there, she cried, Agalu, what arrogance we see ! Those creatures I how they^mimiCk me ? Shall ev'iy fowl the waters skhn, . Because ^ve geest^are known to swim I Humility they soon shall learn, And their own emptiness discern.

So saying, with extended wings, Lightly upon the wave she springs ; Her bosom swells, she spreads her plumes. And the swan's stately crest assurnes. Contempt and mockery ensu'd. And bursts of laughter shook the flood,

A swan, superior to the rest. Sprung forth, and thus the fool address'd.

Conceited thing, eJate with pride .' Thy affectation all deride ; These airs thy aukv,ardness "impart, And shew thee plr^nly as thou art. A mpug thy equals of the flock, i'Kou hadst escap'd the publick mock, And , as thy parts to good cdnduce. Been deera'd an honest hobbling goose.

Learn hence to study w isdom's nules ; , Ivnow foppery's the pride of fools ; And striviug.nature to conceal, You only her defects reveal.

BY ED ^V A R t) INI O O K K.

FABLE VIII.

THE LAWYER A.ND JUSTICE.

Xj ovE ! thou divinest good below, Thy pure dehghts few mortals know ; Our rebel hearts thy sway.disown, Whtle tyrant lust usurp^ thy throne.

The bounteou*> god of nature made The sexes for each othei^s aid, Their mutual talents to employ To lessen ills and heigh ten. joy. To weaker woman he assign'd That softening gentlene'ss of mind, That can by sympathy impart Its likeness to the roughest heart : Her eyes with raagick pow'r tndn'd. To fire the dull, and awe the rude ; His rosy fingers on her face Shed lavish ev'ry brooming grace. And starnp'd ( perfection to display ^ His mildest image on her clay.

Man, active, resolute, and bold. He fashion'd in a diff'rent mould : With useful arts his irynd inform'd, His breast with nobler passions warm'd ; He gave him knowledrc. tasl^, and scj^c.e. And courage for the fair's deience : Her frame, resistless to each wrong. Demands protection from the strong; To man she flies when fear alarms, , And cfeims the temple of his arms.

ijt V y ii

FABLES

By nature's author tlnis declar'd The woman's sov'reij^n, and her guard, Shall man by treach'rous wiles invade The weakness he was meant to aid? While beauty, given to inspire Protecting love and soft desire^ Lights up a wild-fire in the heart, And toils own breast points the dart, Becomes the spoiler's base pretence To triumph- over innocence.

The wolf that tears the tim'rous sh^ep Was never set the fold to keep ; Nor was the tyger, or ihe pard, Meant the benighted trav'llcr's guard ; But man, the wildest beast of prey, Wears friendship's semblance to betray ; His strength against the weak employs, And, where he should protect, destroys.

Past twelve o'clock the watchman cried, His brief the studious Lawyer plied; The all-prevailing fee lay nigh, The earnest of to morrow's lie. Sudden the furiqus winds arise, * The jarring casement shatter'd flies, Tile doors admit a hollow .sound, And rattling from tlieir hinges bound ; When .lustice, in a blaze of light, rteveal'd her radiant form to sight.

The wretch with thr.lUng l^orrour shook, Loose ev'ryj dint, and pale his look ; 'Mot having seen her in the coiyrts. Or found her mention'd in reports, • He ask'd, with fall'ring tongue, Ij^r name, Jler errand there, and whence she cam'ei*

Sl^'rnly the white-rob'd Shade replied, A crimson glow her visage died ) ' '

•^ •> ?/ '>! »'.

''^•-yMtk

/ \i- -i If if r^ Li .»' € it ,'; j^

BY EDWARD MOORE. Canst tliou be doubtful wlio I anv* Is justice g^rown so strange a name? Were not your courts for fustice rais'd ? 'Twas tliere of old my altars blaz d. My guardian lliee«did I elect. My sacred temple to protect, That thou and all thy venal tribe Should spurn the goddess for the bribe ? Aloud the rniu'd client cries. Justice has neither eisrs, nor eyes ; lu foul alliance with the Bar, *Gaiast me the jrtdge denounces war, And rarely issues his decree, But with intent to baffle me.

She paus'd. Her breast with fury burnd. The trembling lawyer thus'return'd.

I own the charge is Justly laid. And weak th' excuse that can be made ; Tet sparch the spacious globe, and'ste If all mankind are not like me.

The gown-man, skill'd in romish lies. By faith's false glass deludes our eyes. O'er conscience rides without coutrouJ, And robs the man to save his soul.

The doctor, with importatit face, By sly design mistakes the case ; Prescribes, and. spins out the disease. To trick the patient of his fees.

The soldier, rough with many a scar, And red with slaughter, leads the war; If he a nation's trust betray. The foe has offer'd double pay.

When vice o'er all mankind prevails, And weighty int'rcst turns the scales, Must I be belter than the rest, And harbour justice m mv breast ? .*

i \ .

^' 1% ^v %\ .. * * «: *" *•• r

>' \l .#f «.•

FABLES

By nature's author thus declar'd The woman's sov'reign, and her guard, Shall man by treach'rous wiles invade The weakness he was meant to aid? While beauty, given to inspire Protecting love and soft desire. Lights up a wild-fire in the heart, And to its own breast points the dart, Becomes the spoiler's base pretence To triumph- over innocence.

The wolf that tears the tim'rous sh^ep AVas never set the fold to keep ; Nor was the tyger, or the pard, Meant the benighted trav'Uer's guard ; But man, the wildest beast of prey, • Wears friendship's semblance to betray ; His strength against the weak employs. And, where he should protect, destroys.

Past twelve o'clock the watchman cried. His brief the studious Lawyer plied; The all-prevailing fee lay nigh, The earnest of to morrow's lie. Sudden the furiqus winds arise, ' The jarring casement shatter'd Hies, Tiie doors admit a hollow sound, And rattling from tlieir hinges bound ; When Justice, in a blaze of light , Beveal'd her radiant form to sight.

The wretch with thr.lling horrour shook, Loose ev'ry jdint, and pale his look ; 'Xot having se<;n her in the coii/ts, Or found her mention'd m reporls, • He ask'd, with fall'ring tongue, Iv'r nainc, Her errand there, and whence she came?

S^unly the white-rob'd Shade replied, ( A crimson glow her visage died ) * '

BY EDWARD MOORE. Can*t thou be doubtful who I am,? Is justice grown so strange a name? Were not your courts for fustict- rais'd ? 'Twas tliere of old my altars blazd. My guardian thee<tlid I elect. My sacred temple to protect. That thou and all thy venal tribe Should spurn the goddess for the bribe ? Aloud the ruin'd client ci-ies. Justice has neither ears, nor eyes ; lu foul alliance with the Bar, *Gaiust me the jrtdge denounces war, And rarely issues his decree, But with intent to baffle me.

She paus'd. Her breast with fury burn'd. The trembling lawyer thas'return'd.

I own the charge is justly laid, And weak th' excuse that can be made ;^ Yet search the spacious globe, and' see If all mankind are not like me.

The gown-man, skill'd in romish lies, T>v faith's false glass deludes our eyes, O'er conscience rides without coutroul, And robs the man to save his soul, • The doctor, with imporfatit face, By «ly design mistakes the case ; Prescribes, and spins out the disease. To trick the patient of his fees.

The soldier, rough w ith many a scar, And red with slaughter, leads the war; If he a nation's trust betray, The foe has offer'd double pay.

When vice o'er all mankind prevails, And weighty int'rest turns the scales, Must I be belter than the rest', And harbour justice in uiy breast ? .-

FABLES On one^siJe only take the fee, Content with poverty and thee ?

Thou blind to sense, and vile of mind .' Th' exasperated Shade rejoin'd, If virtue from the world is flown,. Will others' frauds excuse thy own? For sickly souls the priest was made ; Physicians for the body's aid ; The soldier guarded liberty; Man, woman ; and the lawyer, nie. If all are laithles^ to their trust. They leave not thee the less unjust* Henceforth your pleadings I disclaim, And bar the sanction of my name; Within yoiir Qourts it shall be read, That Justice from the law is fled.

She spoke ; and hid in shades her face, 'ffill Hardwick sooth'd her into grace.

FABLE IX.

THE FARMER, THE SPANIEL,, AND THE CAT.

VV H Y knits my dear her angry brow ? What rude of'ence alarms you now? I said that Delia 's fair, 'tis true. But did I say she equall'd you? Can't I another's face commend,. Or to her virtues be a friend. But instantly your for* head low'rs, As if her merit leseen'd yours ? From female envy never free, . All must be blind because you see.

BY EDWARD MOORE. i;,^

Survey tbe gardens, fields, and hovv'rs, The buds, the blossoms, and the (Jow 'rs; Then tell me where the wood-bind grows. That vies in sweetness with ibc rose , Or where the lilly's snowy white. That throws such beauties on the sight? Yet fo'ly is it to declare, That these are neither sweet, nor fair. The crystal shines with fainter ravs, Before the di'mond's brighter blaze: And fops will say the di'moud dies Before the lustre of your eyes : But I, who deal in truth, deny That neither shine when you are by.

When zepliirs o'er the blossoms stray. And sweets along the air convey, Sha'n't I the fragrant breeze inhale. Because you breathg a sweeter gale ? .

Sweet are the flow'rs that deck the field ; Sweet is the smell the blossoms yield ; Sweet is the summer gale tbat blows , And sw eer, tho' sweeter you, the rose.

Shall envy then torment your breast, If you are lovelier than the rest? For while I give to each her due, By praising them I flatter you ; And praising most I still declare You fairest,^A\here the rest are fair.

As at his board a farmer sate, Replenish'd by his homely treat. His fav'rite sjjaniel near him stood. And with his master shar'd the food ; The crackling bones his jaws devour'd, His lappiag tongue the trenchers scour'd ; Till sated now supine he lay, And snorVi the rising fumes away.

,8o FABLES

The hungry cat in turn drew near, And humbly crav'd a serv;int's share; Har modest worth the master Icnew, And straight the iatt'uing morsel threw : Enrag'd the snarling cur awoke. And thus with spiteful envy spoke :

They only claim a right to eat. Who earn by services their meal : Me zeal and industry inflame To scour the fields, and spring the game Or, plunging in the "wint'ry wave, For mau the wounded bird to .save. With watchful diligence I keep From pix)whng wolves his fleecy sbeep ; At home his midnight hours secure. And drive the robber from the door. For this. his breast with kindness glows : For this, his hand the food bestows ; And shall thy indolence impart A warmer friendship to his heart, That thus he robs me of my due, To pamper such vile thin<rs as you ? - I own, with*meekness pus* replied, Superior merit on your side; Nor does my breast with onvy swell, To find it recompenc'd so well ; Yet 1, in what my nature can, Contribute to the good of man. Whose claws destroy the pllf'ring mou* '. Who drives the vermin from the houyc '.' Or, watchful for the lab'i-;ng*s"wain. From lurking rats secure the grain!' From hence if he rewards bestow. Why should your heart with gallocrflow Why pine my hapoijioss to see, Since there \i enough for vou ami nfe.^

BY EDWARD MOORE, i8i

Thy words are just, the farmer cried, And spurn'd the snarler from his side.

FABLE X.

THE SPIDER AND THE BEE.

1. HE nymph, who walks the publick streets, And sets her cap at all she meets, May catch the Ibol who turns to stare; But men of sense avoid the snafe.

As on the margin of the flood, With silken line, my Lydia stood, I smil'd to see the pains you look, To cover o'er the fraudful hook. Along the forest as we stray'd, You saw the boy his lime-tvvif/s spread j Guess'd you the reason of his fear.** Lest heedless we approach'd too near ; For as behind the bush we lay, The Jinnet flutter'd on the spray.

ilNeeds there such caution to delude The scaly fry and feather'd brood ? And think you with inferior art To captivate the human heart ?

The maid, who modestly conceals Her beauties, while she hides, reveals: Give but a glimpse, and iancy draws Whate'er the grecian Venus was. From Eve's lirsi ijg-leaf to brocade. All dress was meant for fancy's aid. Which e"\ ermore delighted dwells On what the bashful nvmph conceals.

i6

i32 FABLES

When Caelia struts in man's attire, She shews too much to raise desire ; . But from the hoop's bewitching round, Her very shoe lt#s pow'r to wound.

The roving eye, the bosom bare , The forward laugh, the waaton air. May catch the fop ; for gudgeons strike At the bare hook,, and bait., ahke ; While salmon play regardless by. Till art, like nature, forms the fly.

Beneath a peasant's homely thatch, A spider long had held her watch ; From morn to night, with restless care, She spun her Aveb, and wove her snare: Within the limits of her reign, I/ay many a heedless captive slain. Or flutt'rmg, struggled in the toils, To burst the chains and shun her wiles.

A straying bee- that perch'd hard by, Beheld her with disdainful eye, And thus began : Mean thing! give o'er, And lay thy slender threads no more ; A thouj^htless fly, or two at most. Is all the conquest thou canst boast ; For bees of sense thy arts evade. We see so plain the nets are laid.

The gaudy tulip that displays Her spreading foliage to the gaze ; That points her charms at all she ser s, And yields to ev'ry wanton breeze, Attracts not me; where blushing grows Guarded with thorns the modest *ose, Enamour'd round and round I fly. Or on her fragrant bo;;oir. lie ; Reluctant, she my ardour meets, And bashful r»;uders up her s\>e<I».

BY EDWARD MOORE. x83

To wiser hpads atteution lend. And learn this lesson froni a friend: She who with modesty retires Adds fewel to her lover's fires, While such incautious jilts as yon, By folly your own schemes undo .

FABLE XI.

THE YOUNG LION AND THE APE^.

i. IS true, I blame your lover's choice, Though flatter'd by the publick voice j And peevish gi'ow and sick to hear His exclamations, O how fair! I listen not to wild delights, And transports of expected nij^hts ; What is to me your hoard of charms , The whiteness of your neck an(larms? Needs there no acquisition more, To keep contention from the door? Yes i pass a fortnight, and you'll- find All beauty cloys but of the mind.

"Sense, i,iad good-humour ever prove The surest cords to fasten love. Yet, Phillis, simplest of your sex, Yon never tliink but to perplex. Coquetting it with ev'ry ape That strUts abroad in human shape ; Not that the coxcomb is your taste, But that it stings your lover's breast; To-morrow you resign the sway, Prepar'd to honour and obey,

i84 . FABLES

The tyrant-mistress change for life To the submission of a wife.

Your folhes, if you can, suspend, And !earn instruction ft-om a friend.

Reluctant, hear the first address ; Think often ere you "answer, Yes : But once resolv'd, throw off disguise. And wear your vjshes in your eyes; . With caution ev'ry look forbear. That might create one jealous fear, A lovei 's ripening hopes confound. Or give the gen'rous breast a wound; Contemn the girlish arts to tease, Nor use your pow'r, unless to please; "For fools alone with rigour sway, . When soon or late they must obey.

The king of brutes, in life's decline, Resolv'd dominion to resign ; The beasts were summon'd to appear. And bendbefore the royal heir. They came; a day was fix'd; the crowd Before the^r future monarch bow'd.

A dapper moukey, })ert and vain, Stepp'd forth, and thus address'd the tra'u: Why criqge my friends with slavish awe, Before this pageant king of straw ? Shall we atilicipate the hour. And, ere we feel it, own his pow'r ? The counsels of experience prize, I know the maxims of the wise j Sbbjection let us cast away. And live the mouarchs of to-day: 'Tis ours the vacant hard to spurn, And play the tyrant each in turn. So shall he right from wrong discern, And mercy from oppression learn ;

BY EDWARD MOORE. 18$

At others' woes be lauglit to melt. And loath the ills himfelf has ielt.

}[e spoke; his bosom swell'd with pride. The youthful lion thus replied":

What madness prompts thee to provol^o My wrath, ahd ddre th' impendinfj stroke ':* Thou wretched fool ! can wrongs impart Compassion to the feeling heart , Or teach the grateful breast to glow, The hand to give, or eye to flow ? Learn'd in the practice of their schools, From women thou hast drawn thy i-ules : To them return ;in such a cause l^rom only such expect applause; The partial sex.1 don't condemn For liking those who copy them.

Would'st thou the gen'rous lion bfud .'' By kindness bribe him to be kind ; Good offices their likeness get. And payment lessens no* the debt-, Wtth multiplying hand he gives The good f^'om others he receives ; Or for the bad makes fair return. And pays with int'rest scorn for soora.

FABLE XIT.

THE COLT AND THE FjLR&XER .

X E L t me , Corinna, if you can, Why so averse, so coy to man? Did nature, laVish of her care, From her best pattern form you fair,

i6.

i86 FABLES

Tbat yoa^ ungrateful to her cause, Should mock her giits, and spurn her lavTs ; And, miser -like, with-hold that stoi-e, Wliich by imparting blesses more ?

Beauty's a gift, by heav'n assign'd The portion of the femalekind ; .For this the yielding maid demands Protection at her lover's hands ; And though by wasting years it fade. Remembrance tells him once 'twas paid.

And will you then this wealth conceal, For age to rust , or time to steal , The summer of your youth to rove, A stranger to the joys of love? Then, when life's winter hastens on. And youth's fair hcrifage is gone, Dow'rleSs to court some peasant's arms To guard your wither'd age fi'om harms, No gratitude to warm his breast, For blooming beauty once possess'd ; How will you curse that stubborn juicie.^ Which drove your barls. across the tide, And, sailing before folly's wind, Left sense and happiness behind ?

Corinna, lest these whims prevail, To such as you I wriJe my tale.

A colt^ for blood and mcltied speed The choicest of the running breed. Of youthful strength and beauty vain, Refus'd subjection to the rein. In vain the groom's officious sl<ill Oppos'd his pride, and check'd his will ; In vain the master's forming care Restrain'd with threats, or soofh'd with pray'r ; Of freedom proud, and scorning man, Wild o'er the spacious plains he ran:

BY ED AVAR D MOORI".

Wheie'er luxuriant naluic spread Her flow'ry carptit o'er the mead, Or bubbling streams soft-gliding pays To cool and freshen up "the grass, Disdaining bounds, he cropt the blade, And wanton'd in the spoil he made.

In plenty thns the summer past, Revolving winter came at last ; The trees no more a shelter yield, The verdure withers from the Held, Perpetual sno.vs invest the ground, In icy chains the streams are bound. Cold nipping winds, and rattling ha;', His lank unsheltcr'd sides assaii. As round he cast his rueful eyes, He saw the thatch-roof'd cottage rise ; The p»ospect tquch'd his heart with cnjar*, Audpromis'd kind deliv'rance near. A stable, erst his scorn and hate, Was no.v become his wisl\'d retieat ; His passion cool, his j^ride forgo^, A farmer's welcome yard he sought.

The master saw his woeful plight, His limbs that totter'd with his weight, And friendly to the stable l?d. And saw him litter'd, dress'd, and fed, In slothful ease all night hie lay ; The servants rose at break of day ; The market calls : along the road His back must bear tke pond'rous load ; In vain he struggles or complains, Incessant blows reward his pains. To-morrow varies but his toil ; Chain'd to the plough, he breaks the soil; While scanty niKals at night repay The painful labours of the day.

88 FABLES

Subdu'd by toil, with anj^uisb rent, His self-upbraidiiigs found a vent. Wretcb that I am .' he sighing said,^ By arrogance and folly led, Had but my restive youth been brought To leain the lesson nature taught, Then had I, like my sires of yore. The prize from ev'ry courser bore ; While man bestow'd rewards and praise, And females crown'd my latrer days. Now lasting servitude's my lot. My birth contemn'd, my speed forgot, Doom'd am I for my pride to bear A living death from year to year.

..'%^»/%'«/«^ «.>/«. 'Vk/WW

FABLE XIIl.

THE OWL AND THE NICHTINGAM.

JL o know the mistress' humour right, See if her maids are clean and tight ; If Betty vNaits without her stays, She copies but her lady's ways. When Miss comes in \^ith boist'rous shout, And drops no curt'sy going out, Depend upon't, mamma is one Who reads or drinks too much alone. If bottled beer her thirst asswage. She feels enthus'astick rage. And burns with ardour to inherit The gifts, and workings of the spirit. If learning crack her gidd\ brains. Wo remedv but death remains.

BY EDWARD M O O R K. ifJy

Sum up the various ills of life.

And all are sweet, to such a wife.

At home superior wit she vaunts.

And twits her hu^and with his wants ;

Her ragged offspring all around.

Like pigs, are waU'wing on the ground ;

Impatient ever of controul,

She knows no order but of soul ;

With books her lilter'd floor is spread,

Of nameless authors never read ;

Foul linen, petticoats, and lace •

Fill up the intermediate space.

Abroad, at vlsitings, her tongue

Is never still, and alw ays wrong ;

All meanings she defines away,

And stands, with truth and sense, at Lay.

If e'er she meets a gentle heart, Skill 'd in the house-Wife's useful art.

Who makes her family her care,

And builds contentmeut's femple there.

She starts at such mistakes in nature.

And cries, Lord help us I — what a creature !

Melissa, if the moral strike, You'll find the fable not-unlike.

An owl, puff'd up with self-conceit, Lov'd learning better than his meat ; Old manuscripts he treasur'dup, And rummag'd ev'ry grocer's shop ; At pastry-cooks was knrOAvn to ply, And strip, for science, ev'ry pie. For modern jooetry and wit. He had read all that Blackmore writ ; So intimate with Curl was grov^n. His learned treasures Avere his own ; To all his authors had access. And sometimes would correct the press.

0

FABLES la logick he acquir'd such knowledge, You'd swear him fellow of a college ; Alike to ev'ry art and science His daring genius hid d^ance, And swallow'd wisdom with that haste, That cits do custards al a feast. ■

Within the shelter of a wood, One ev'uing, as he musing stood, Hard by, upon a leafy spray, A nightingi^le began his lay; Sudden he starts, with anger stung. And screeching interrupts the soug.

Pert, busy thing ! thy airs give o'er; And let my contemplation soar. What is the musick of ihy voice, But jarring dissonance, and noise ? Be wise : true harmony thou'lt find Not in the throat, but in the mind ; By empty chirping not attain'd, But by laborious study gain'd. Go, read the authors Pope explodes, lalhom the depth of Gibber's odes. With modern plays improve thy wit, Read ah the learning Henley writ ; And if thou needs must sing, sing then, And emulate the ways of men; So shalt thou grow like me relin'd, And bring improvement to thy kind.

Thou wretch .' the little warbler cried, Made up of ignorance and plide. Ask all the birds, and they'll declare, A greater blockhead wings not air. Read o'er thyself, thy talents scan; Science was only meant for man. No senseless authors me molest, 1 mind the duties of iny nest;

r>Y EDWARD MOORE. 191

With careful wing protect my young, And chear their ev'nings with a song ; Make short the weary trav'ller's way, And warble in the poet's lay.

Thus foll'wing nature, and her laws, I'rojn men and birds I claim applause; While, nurs'd in pedantry and sloth. An owl is scorn'd alike by both.

ib«.-»>«.-«/^«

FABLE XIV. .

THE SPARROW AND THE DOVE-

XT was, as learn'd traditions sav, Upori an April's blithsome day. When pleasure, ever on the winp, Return'd, companion of the spring, And chear'd the birds with am'rous heal , Instructing little hearts to beat; A sparrow, froliok, gay, and young. Of bold address, and flippant tongue. Just left his lady of a night. Like him, to follow new delight.

The youth, of many a conquest vain, Flew off to seek the chirping train ; The chirping train he quickly found. And with a saucy ease bow'd round.

For ev'ry she his bosom burns, And this, and that, he wooes by turns ; And here a sigh, and there a bi:l. And here — Those eves, so form'd to kill I And now with ready tongue he strings, Unmeaning, soft, resistless things ;

r92 FABLES

With vows, and dem-mes sltill'd to woo As otlier pretty fellows do. Not that he thought this short essay A prologue needful to his play ; No; trust me, says our learned letter, Ife knew the virtuous sex much better ; But these he hf Id as specious arts, To shew his own superior parts, The form of decency to shield, And give a just ])retenre to yield.

Thus finishing his courtly play, He mark'd thefav'rite of a day; With careless impudence drew near, And whisper'<l hebrew in her ear; A hint which, like the Masons' sign, The conscious can alone divine.

The flutt'ring nymph', expert at feigning, C^i^d, Sii;! — pray Sir, explain your meaniug- '^ Go prate to those that may endure ye —

To me this rudeness ! — I'li assure ye

Then off she glided, like a swallow,

As saying You guess where to follow.

To such ask^now the party set, 'Tis needless to declare they met; The parsons's barn,as aulhors mention, Confess'd the fair had apprehension. Her honour there secure from stain, She held alM'arlher trilling vain, No more affected to be toy. But rush'd licentious on the joy.

Hist, love ! — The male comjianion cried, Pietire a while, I fear we're .spied. Nor was the caution vain ; he saw A turtle rustling in ihc straw. While o'er her callow brood she hung. And fondly thus address'd her young :

r.Y EDWARD. MOORE.

Ye tender objects of my care ! Peace^ peace, ye little helpless pair; Anon he comes, yo|(J^entle sire. And brings you all your hearts require. For us, his infants, and his bride, For us , with only love to p^uide, » Our lord assumes an eagle's speed, And, like a lion, dares to bleed. ]>for yet by wint'ry skies confin'd, He mounts upon the rudest wind, From danger tej^the vital spoil. And with afiection sweetens toil. Ah ctfase, too vent'rous I c^ase to dare; In thine', our dearer safety spare I From liim, ye cruel falcons, stray, • And turn, ye fowlers, far away !

Should I survive to see the day, That tears me from myself aA ay. That cancels all that heav'n could give, The life by which alone I live, Alas, how more than lost were I, Who, in the thought, alreaiiy die I

Ye Pow'rs, Avhom men and birds obey. Great ruiei;s of your creatures, say, Why mourning conu s bv bliss couvey'ii, And ev'n the sweets of love allay'd».' Where grmvs enjoyment, tall, and fair, Around it twines entangling care ; . While fear for what our souls possess Enervates evn-ypow'r to bless; Yet friendship ■orms the bliss above,. And, life.' what art thou,.v>ithout love."*

Our hero, who ftad heard apart, felt something moving in his heart. But quickly Avith disdain supprcss"d The virtue risingr in his bresst :

'9-

PARLES And first he feign'd to laugh aloud, And next approaching smil'd and bow'd.

Madam, you ini5i||[tnot think ine rude ; Good manners never can intrude ; I vow I come thro' pure good nature — ( Upon my soul ! a charming creature ! ) * Are these the comforts of « wife ? • This careful, cloister'd, moping life? No doubt, that odious thing, calTd duty, Is a sweet province for^a beauty. Thou pretty ignoranodfchy will Is measur'd to thy want of skill ; That good old-fashion«'d dame, thy^nother, Has taught thy infant years no other. The greatest ill in the creation, Is sure the want of education.

But think ye ? — tell me without feiguiiig, Have alltheSe charms no farther meaning? Dame nature, if you don't forget her. Might teach your ladyship much better. For shame! reject this mean employment, Enter the world, and taste cnioyment; Where trtne, by circling bliss, we measure : Beauty was form'd alone for pleasure; Come, proj^'c the blessiug ; follow me : Be wise, ba happy, and be free.

Kind Sir, replied our nsatron phaste, Vour zeal seems pretty much in haste j I own, the fondness to be bless'd Is a deep thirst in ev'ry breast ; Of blessings too I have my store Yet quarrel not, should heav'n give more ; Then prove the changt to be exped ent, And think me. Sir, your most obedient. •

Here turning, as to one inferior, Our gallant spoke, and smil'd superior.

BY EDWARD :M00RE. igS

Methinks to quit your boasted station Requires a world of hesitation ; \Wiere brats and bonds are held a bicssir.j;, The case, I doubt, is past rodressing. Why, child, suppose the joys 1 luention, Were the mere fruits of myjnvention, Ydh've cause suflicient for your carriage, In flying from the curse of marriage ; That sly decoy, with varied snares, That takes your widgeons in by pairs; Alike to husband, and to wife, ' • . The cure of love , and bane of life ; The only method of forecasting. To make misfortune ilrrn- and lasting ; The sin, by heav'n's pecuhar sentence, L'npardon'd, through a hfe's repentance : It is the double snake, that weds A common tail to diff'rent beads, That lead the carcass still astray. By dragging each a diff'rent way. Of all the ills that may attent me. From marriage, mighty gods, defend tae I

Give me frank nature's wild demesne, And boundless tract of air serene,, Where fancy, ever wing'd for change, Delights to sport, delights to range ; There, liberty .' to thee is owing W'hate'er of bhss is w orth bestowing ; . Delights, still varied, and divine. Sweet goddess of the hills ) are thine.

What say you now, you pretty pink, yon . Have I for once spoke reason , think you ? You take me no\y for no romancer — Come, never study for an answer ;* Away, cast ev'ry care behind ye. And fly where joy alone shall find yc.

FABLES

Soft yet, return'd our female feuoer,

A question more, or so aud then, Sir :

You've i-allied me with sense exceeding^ '

With much lir»e wit, aud better breeding;

But pray. Sir, how do you contrive it?

Do those of ygur world never wive it?

— No, no. — How then ? -;— Why, dare^ tell?

What does the l)us'uess full as well.

Do you ne'er love ?— An hour at leisure. — -

Have you no friendships ? — Yes, for pleasure.-

iNo car^ for little ones ? — We get 'em;

The rest the mothers mind, and let 'em. -.—

Thou wretch .' rejoin'd the kindling dove. Quite lost to life, as lost to love ! Whene'er misfortune comes, how just ! And come misfortune surely must ; In the dread season of dismay, * In that your hour of trial, say. Who then shall prop your sinking heart , Who bear affliction's weightier part ?

Say, when the black-brow'd welkin bends , And winter's gloomy form impends, To mourning turns all transient chear. And blasts the melancholy year ; For times, at no persuasion, stay ; TVor vice can find perpetual May; Then where's that tongue by folly fed, Tlwt soul ol pertness, whither fled ? All. shrunk within thy lonely nest, Forlorn, abandoned, and unbless'd ; No'frieuds by copdial bonds all.ed, Shall seek thy cold,' unsocial, side ; No chirping*i)r.ittlers to delight Shall tutu the long-enduring night ; No bride her words of balm impart, Aud warm thee at her ronslant heart.

BY EDWARD MOORE. ly^

Freedom, restrain' cl by reason's force,

Is as the sun's unvarying course,

Benignly active, sweetly bright,

Affording warmth, affordinglight;

Bat torn from virtue's sacred rules .

Becomes a comet, gaz'd by fools,

Foreboding cares, and storms, and stri'c,

And fraught with all the plagues of life. Thou fool.' by union ev'ry creature

Subsists, through universal nature ;

And this, to beings void of mind,

Is wedlock, of a meaner kind. ^ While womb'd in space, primaeval clay

A yet unfashion'd embryo lay,

■J^he source of. endless good above

Shot down his spark of kindling love ; »

To-ucli'd by the all-enliv'ning flame.

Then motion first exulting came ;

Each atom sought its sep'rate class ,

Through many a fair, en«raourd mass ;

Love cast the central charm around,

And with eternal nuptrals bound.

Then forij^ and order o'er Ae sky

First train'd their bridal pomp on high :

The sun display'd his orb to sight.

And burnt with hymeneal light.

Hence nature's virgin-womb conceiv'd

'And with the genial burden heav'd;

Forth came tiie oak, her first born heir,

And scal'd the breathing steep of air ;

Then infant -stems of various use,

Imbib'd her soft, maternal juice ;

The flow'rs, in early bloom disclos'd ,

Upon her fragrant bi-east repos'd;

Within hfer warm embraces grew

A race of endless form and hue :

iqS tables

Theu pouiVl her lesser off'spriiipj round, Aatl foadly cioalh'd their parent ground.

Nor here alone the virtue reigil-'d. By matter's cumb'riug form detain'd ; But thence, sixbliiuing, and refih'd, Asnir'd, and reach'd its kindred mind. Canght in the fond, celestial fire. The mindperceiv'd unknown desire. And now with kind effusion liow'd, • Aud now with cordial ardours glow'd, Beheld the sympathetick fair, And lov'd its own resemblance there : On all with circling rathance shone, " ■ But cent'ring, llx'd on one alone ; There clasp'd the hcay'n appointed wi^Cy And doubled ev'ry joy of life.

Here ever blessing, ever bJess'd, Resides this beauty of the hleast. As from. his palace, here the god Still beams effulgftnt bliss- ftbroad. Here gems his own etei^pal round, • The ring, by which llie woVld is bound. Here bids hisAeat of empire iirqw. And builds liis litllchcav'n belov, .

The bridal partners tlius-ailicd. And thus in sweet accoulance tied. One body, heart and spirit live, Eurich'd h^ ev'ry joy ihry give ; Like echo, from her vocal hold, Return'd in musick twenty fold. Their union firm, and unticcay'd, Nor tiiiie can shake, nor powr invade. But as' the ^tem and scion >laud, Ingrafted by a skilful hand, •

They check the tempest's wint'rV ragf, And bloom and sircjigthcn into age.

BY EDWARD MOORE. 799

A thousand amities unknown, ^ . And pov\'rs perceiv'd by lovcaJone, Endc:.rinj( looks, and chaste desire, 'I'an, and support the mutual lire, Whose flame, perpetual as relinVJ, Is fed by an immortal mind.

Nor yet the nuptial .sanction ends, Like Nile it opens, and descends, • Which, by apparent windings led, We trace to its celestial head. '

The sire, first spring^injj from above, I'ecomes the source of life and love. And gives his filial heir to flow. In 'bndness doA\n on 'sons below : Thus roH'd in ont! continued tide. To time's extremest vet»ge they glide, While kindred streams, on either hand, Branch forth in blessings o'er the land.

Thee, wretch ! no lisping babe shall name, No late-returning brother claim, No kinsman on thy road rejoice, No sister greet thy ent'rinr:^ voice, With partial eyes no parents see. And bless their years restor'd in thee.

In age rejected, or declined. An alien ev'n among thy kind, * The partner of thy scorn'd embrace. Shall play the wanton in thy face, Each spark unplume thy little pride, All friendship fly thy faithless side, Thy name shall like thy carcass rot. In sickness spurn' d, in death forgot.

All-giving pow'r ! great source of life .' O hear the parent ! hear the wife I That life thoii lendest from above, Though little, make it iar'je by love :

I A B L i: s

() bill jiiy feeling heart expand

To ev'ry cUiim, on ev'ry hand ;

To those, from whom my days I dre'v,

To these, in whom those days renew.

To all my kin, however w ide,

In cordial warmth, as blood allied.

To friends, with steely fettei'S twii^'d,

And to the cruel not unkind !

But chief, !he lord of my desire, IMy life, myself, my soul, my sire. Friends, children, all that wish can claim. Chaste passion clasp, and rapture name ; O spare him, spare him, graciotis pow'r I () give him to ray latest hour ! Let me my length of life empl6y, To give my sole enjoymerit joy. His love, let mutual love excite; Turn all my cares to his delight, Aild ev'ry needless blessing vSpare, Wherein my darling wants a share. When he with graceful action wooes, And sweetly bills, and fondly cooes, xVh I deck me, to his eyes alone, With charnjs attractive as his own,. And in my ciri}1iBg wings c»ress'd. Give all the lover to my breast. Then in our chaste, connubial bed, My bosom pillow'd for hishead. His eyes with blissful slumbers close. And watch, with me, my lord's repose; Your peace around his tenjples twine. And love him, with a love like miiie.

And, for I know his gen'rous 11;

n»c,

Beyond whate'er my sex can claim. Me too to your protection take. And spare ine for mv husbands sake.

BY EDWARD MOORE. 2(

Let one unruffled, calm deligUt, The loving, and belov'd unite ; One pure desire our bosoms warm, One will direct, one v.ish inform ; Through life one mutual aid sustain, In death, one peaceful grave contain.

While swelhng with the darling theme, Her accents pour'd an endless stream , The well-known wings a.sound impart, TW&t reach'd her ear, and touch'd her heart ; Quick dropp'd the musick of her tongue, * And forth, with eager joy, she sprung. As swift her ent'ring consort flew. And plura'd, and kindled at the view ; Their wings, their souls embracing meet, Their hearts with answ'ring measure beat ; Half lost in sacred sweets, and bless'd VYith raptures felt, but ne'er express'd.

Straight to her humble roof she led The partner of her spotless bed ; Her young, a flult'ring pair, arise, Their welcome sparkling in their eyes ; Transported, to their sire they bound. And hang with speechless action round. In pleasure wrapt the parents stand, And see their little wings expand ; The sire, his life-sustaining prize . To each expecting bill applies, There fondly pours the w beaten spoil. With transport giv'n, tho' won with toi^ ; While, ail collected at the sight. And silent through supreme delight. The fair high heav'n cA' bliss beguiles. And on her lord, and infants smiles.

The sparrow, whose attention hung Upon the dove'5 enchanting tongue,

• FABLES

Of all his little $lij>hts disarm'd. And from himself, hy a ii tue, chiriu'd, When now he saw, what only seem'd, A fact, so late a fable deem'd, His soul to envy he resign'd, His hours of folly to the wind,^ In secret Avish'd a turtle too, And sighing'to himself withdrew.

FABLE XV.

THE FEMALE SEDUCERS.

J. I s said of widow, maid, and wife, That honour is a woman's life. Unhappy sex ! who only claim A Leiny, in the breath of fame. Which tainted, not the quick'ning gales That sweep Sahara's spicy vdles, IMor al"l the healing sweets restore, That breathe along Arabia's shore.

The trav'lcr . it he chance to stray, May turn uucensur'd to his way ; Polluted streams again are pure, And deepest wounds admit a cure ; But woman no redemption knows, The wounds ol honour never close.

Tho' distant ev'ry hand to guide, Nor skiil'd on life's tempestuous tide, If once her feeble bark recede. Or deviate from the course decreed, In vain she seeks the friendless shore, Her swifter fol]\ flies before :

I'.Y EDWAIVD MOORE. 20 J

TJ1& circling ports against her close, Aud shut the wancrrerJlVom repose ; 'Till, by conflicting waves oppress'd, Her found'ring pinnace sinks to rest.

Are there no off rings to atone « I'or but a single error ? — None. Tho" woman is avow'd, of ©Id, No daughter of celestial mould. Her temp'ring not without ailaV, . And forra'd but of the finer clay. We challenge from the mortal dame The strength angehck natures claim ; TS'ay more ; for sacred stories tell, That ev'n immortal angels fell.

Whatever lills the teeming sphere Of humid earth, and ambient air, With varying elements en^lu'd, W:js form'd to fall, aud rise renew'd.

The stars no fix'd duration knovv, Wide oceans ebb, again to How, The moon replef es her waining face, All-beauteous, from her late disgrace, And suns, that fnouru ap})roachiug night, Refulgent rise with new-born light.

In vain may death and lime siibdue, While nature mints her race ane^v, And holds some vital spark a^ai t. Like virtuie, hid in ev'ry htart; 'Tis hence reviving warmlh is seen, To cloath a naked Avorld in green . No longer barr'd by vsinter's cold, Again the gates of life unfold ; • Again each insect tries his v.ing, A^^d lifts fresh pinions ou*the spring ; Again from ev'ry iate«5t root The bladed stem, auJ tendiil shoot :

2o4 FABLES

Exiialinig incense to the skies, Agaiu to perish, ajad to rise.

And must weak woman then disown The change, to which a world is prone? In one meridian hrightness shine, And ne'er like ev'niug snns decline? Piesolv'd and liim alone ? — Is this What we demand of woman ? — Yes.

Rut should the spark of vestal lilt, In some unguarded hour 'expire. • Or should the nightly thief invade Mesperia's chaste and.sacred shade. Of all the blooming s])oil possess'd, The dragon honour charm'd to rest, Shall virtufj's flame no more return ? No more wdtli. virgin splenr>or burn? No more the ravag'd garden blow With spring's succeeding blossom? — No. Pity may mourn, but nort restqre; And woman falls, to rise no more.

Within this sublunary sphere, A countfy lies — no matter where ; The clime may readily be found By all who tread poet ick ground, A stream, cail'd life, across it glides. And equally the laud divides ; And hcre,of Yicc-the prov nee lies. And there, the hills of Yirtue rise.

Upon a mountain's airy stand. Whose summit look'd to either land, An ancient pair their dwelling chose. As wrllrfor prosjicct as repose ; For mutual faith they long were fam'd, And Teuip'rance, and P».eli»'ion,naai'(J.

A num'rous pro:,'eny divino Confess'd the honours of their Hue;

r.Y EDWARD MOORE. Eut in a little daughter fair Was ceuter'd more than half their care ; I-'or heav'n, to gratulate her birth, Gave signs of futare joy to earth ; White was the robe this infant wore, And Chastity the name she bore.

As now the maid in stature grew, ( A flow'r just op'ning lo fhe view ) Oft thro' her native lawns she stray 'd, And wrestling with the lambkins play'd ; Her looks diffusive sweets bequeath'd, The breeze grew purer as she brealh'd, The morn her radiant blush assum'd. The spring w ith earlier fragance bloom 'd, And nature yearly took delight, Like her, to 4i'ess the world in white.

But when her rising form was seen To reach the crisis of lifteeu, Her parents up the mountain's head, With anxious step their darling led ; By turns they snatch'd her to their breast, And thus the fears of age express'd ;

O ! joyful cause of manj a care .' O ! daughter too divinely fair ! Yon world, on this important day, Demands thee to a d-ini;'rous way; A painful journey,.aIl must go, Whose doubtful period none can know ; AVhose due direction who can iind, , Where reasons mute, and sense Is blind ? Ah, what unequal leaders these, Thro' such a wide, perplexing maze .' Then mark the warnings of the wise, And learn what love, and years advise.

Far to the right thy prosr^ct bend , Where yonder to»^'ring hills ascend;

I 8

2o6 FABLES

Xo, there tlie arduous paths in view, Which Virtue, and her sons pursue ; With toil o'er less'ning earth they rise, And gain, and gain upcfti the skies. Narrow's the way her childi'en tread. No walk for pleasure smoothly s^iread. But rough, and difficult, and steep, Painful to climb, and hard to keep.

Fruits immature those lands dispense , A food indelicate to sense. Of taste unpleasant ; yet from those Pure health with chearful vigour flows. And strength, unfeeling of decaV, Throughout the long, labori.Dus way.

Hence, as they scale that heav'nly road, Each limb is hghten'd of its load ; From earth relining still they go. And leave the mortal weight below; Then spreads the strait, the doubtful clears, And smooth the rugged j)alh appears ; For custom turns fatigue to ease. And, taught by virtue, pain can please.

At length , the toilsome jonrney o'er , And near the bright, celestial shore, A gulph, black, fearful, and profound, Appears, of either world the bound, . .Thro' darkness, leading up to light ; Sense backwards shrinks, and shuns the sight : For there the transitory train. Of time, and form, and care, and pain. And matter's gross incumb'ring mass, Man's late associates, cannot pass ; But sinking, quit th' luunorlal charge, And leave the woud'riug soul at large ; Lightly she vfings her obvious way, And mingles with eternal day.

BY EDWARD MOORE. 507

Thither, O thither wing thy speed, Tho' pleasure charm, or pain impede; To such th' all-bounteous Povv'r has giv'n, For present earth, a future heav'n ; . For trivial loss, unmeasur'd gain ; And endless bliss, for transient pain.

Then fear, ah! fear to turn thy sight, Where yonder flow'ry fields invite ; Wide on the left the path-way bends. And with pernicious ease descends ; There sweet to sense, and fair to show, New-planted Edens seem to blow, Trees that delicious poison bear, Kor death is vegetable there.

Hence is the frame of health unbrac'd, Each sinew slack'ning at the taste, The soul to passion yields her throne, And sees w^ith organs not her own : While, like the slumb'rcr in the night, Pleas'd with the shadowy dream of light, Before her alienated eyes. The scenes of fairy -land arise ; The puppet world's amusing show. Dipt in the gayly colour'd bow, Sceptres, and wreaths, and ghtt'ring things, The toys of infants, and of kings. That tempt, along the baneful pkiin., The idly wise, and lightly vain. Till verging on the gulphy shore. Sudden they sink, and rise no more.

But list to what the fates declare ; Tho' thou art woman, frail as fair. If once thy sliding foot should stray, Once quit yon heav'n-appointed way. For thee, lost n>aid, for thee alone, Nor pray'rs shall plead, nor tear.s atoue ;

!o8 FABLES

F«.eproach, scorn, infamy, and hate, On thy returning steps shall wait, Thy form be loath'd by ev'ry eye, • And ev'ry foot thy presence fly.

Thus arm'd v/iih words of potent sound, Like giiardian-aaijels plac'd around, A charm, by Truth divinely cast. Forward our young adveut'rer pass'd^ Forth from her sacred eye-lids sent. Like morn, fore-running radiance went, While Honour, hand-maid late assign'd, ^ Upheld her lucid train behind.

Awe-struck the much admiring crowd Before the virgin vision bow'd, Gaz'd with an ever new delight, And caught fresh virtue at the sight ; For not of earth's unequal frame They deem the heav'n -compounded dame; If matter, sure the most refin'd, High wrought, and temper'd into mind,' Some darling daughter of the day, And bodied by her native ray.

Where'er she passes, thousanrts bend. And thousands, where she moves, attend ; Her ways observant eyes confess, Her steps pursuing praises bless ; While to fhe elevated maid Oblations, as to heav'n, are paid.

'Twas on an ever blithsome day, The jovFal birth cff rosy May, When gonial warmth, no more suppressed, New ijielts the frost in ev'ry breast. The cheek with secret-flushing dies; And loolis kind things from chastest eyes; The sun with healthier visage gl6ws, Aside hi« clouded kerchief throws,

i

BY EDWARD MOORE.

And dances up tli' etherial plain, Where late he us'il to climb with pairs. While nature, as from bonds set free. Springs out, and gives a loose to glee.

And now for momentary rest. The nymph her travell'd step repress'*], Just turn'd to vievv the stage atlain'd. And gloried in the height she gain'd.*

Out-stretch' d before her wide survey, The realms of sweet perdition lay, And pity touch'd her soul with woe, To see a world so lost below ; Wheji straight the breeze began to breatht; Airs gently wafted from beneath, ^r That bore commissiou'd witchcraft thence. And reach'd her sympathy of sense; No sounds of discord, that disclose A people sunk and lost in woes. But as of present- goodpossess'd. The very triumph of the bless'd. The maid in wrapt attention liung, While thus approachinjjr sireus sung : Hither, fairest, hither haste.

Brightest beauty, come and taste

What the pow'rs of bliss unfold, .^

Joys too mighty to be told ;

Taste what exlasies they give ;

Dying raptures taste and live, in thy lap, disdaining measure.

Nature empties all her treasure,

Soft desires that sweetly languish,

luerce delights that rise to anguish;

Fairest, dost thou yet delay?

Brightest beauty, come away.

List not, when the froward chide,

Sons of pedantry and pride,

18.

Snarlers, to \\hose feeble sense

ApriFs srtiishine is offence ;

Age and ei.vy will advise

Ev'n against ihe joy tliey prize. Come, in pleasuie'.s balmy bowl,

S!ake the thirstings of thy soul,

Till thy raptur'd pow'rs are fainting

WitH enjoyment past the painting ;

Fairest, dost thou yet delay ?

Brightest beauty, come away. So sung the sirens, as of yore, Upon the false Ausonian shove;* And O! for that preventing chain. That bojind Ulysses on the main. That so our fair one might wi^hstaud The covert ruin, now at hand.

The song her charm'd attention drew. When now the icaipters stood in view ; Curiosity, with prying, eyes. And hands of bn-sy, bold emprise ; Like Hermes, feather'd were her feet. And, lik* fore-running fancy, fleet. By search untaught, by toil untir'd, lo novelty she still aspir'tl, T|«;eless of ev'ry good possess'd. And but in expectation blcss'd.

With her associate Pieaiurc came, Gay Pleasure, frolick-loving dame. Her mien all swimming in delight. Her beauties half reveal'd to.sight , Loose flow'd her garments from the'gromiri. And caught the kissing winds around. As erst Medusa's looks were known To turn beholders into stone, A dire t^eversion here they felt, And in the eye of Pleasure melt.

BY EDWARD MOORE. ^

Her glance with sweet persuasion ch|pa'<T, Unnerv'd the strong, the sietlM disarm'cl ; No safety ev'n the Hying Iind, Who, vent'rous, look but once behind. Thus was the much admiring maid. While distant, more thanjialf bctray'd. With smiles, and adulation bland. They join'd her side, and seiz'd her hand; Their touch envenom'd sweets instili'd. Her frame with new pulsations thrill'd ; While half consenting, half denying. Reluctant now, and now complying. Amidst a war of hopes, and fears, ( )f irembllng wishes, smiling tears, Still down, and down, the winning pair Oompeii'd the struggling, yielding fair. As when soiue stately vessel, boxiud To blest Arabia's distant ground, Borne from her courses, haply lights Where Barca's flow'ry clime invites, Conceal'd around whose treach'rous land Lurk the dire rock and dang'rous sand; The pilot w arns with sail and oar To shun the much suspected shore, In vain; the tide, too subtly strong, Still bears the wrestling bark along, 'Till found'ring, she resigns to fate. And sinks, o'erwhelra'd, with all her fre.'ght. So, baffling ev'ry bar to sm. And heav'n's own pilot plac'd williiu, Along the devious smooth descent. With pow'rs increasing as they went, , The dames, accustom'd to subdue. As with a rapid current drew. And o'er the fatal bounds convey 'd The lost, the long reluctant maid.

F A E L E S

Here stop, ye fair ones, and beware, Nor send your fond afiections tliere ; Yet, yet your darling, now deplor'd. May turn, to you, and heav'u, restor'd ; Till then, witb.weeping Honour v\ait, The servant of her heiter fate, With Honour, left upon the shore, Her friend, and handipaid, now no ii^ore: iNor, with the guilty worhl, upbi'aid The fortunes of a wretch betray'd ; Rut o'er her failing cast a veil, Keniemb'iing you yourselves are frail.

And now, from all-enquiring light. Fast fled the conscious shades of night ; The damsel, from. a short repose, Confounded at her pli^;ht, arose.

As when, with slumb'rous^weight oppressed, Some wealthy miser sinks to rest. Where felons eye the glitt'ring prey, And steal his hoard of joys away ; He, borne where golden Indus streams, Of pearl, and quarried di'n;oud dreams. Like Midas, turns the glebe to ore, And stands all wrapt amidst his si ore, But wakcHs, naked, and tlespoird Of that, for which his years had tpil'd. .

So far'd the nymph, her treasure flown, And tttrn'd, like ISiobe, to stone. Within, without," obscure, and void. She felt all ravag'd, all destrOy'd. And , O thou curs'd, insidious coast! Are these the blessings thou canst boast ? These, Virtue ! these the joys they iiuil, Who leave thy heav'n-topt hills behind.^ Shade me, ye pines ; ye caverns, hide j Ye mountains, cover me, she cried!

BY EDWARD MOORE. 2i3

Her trumpet Slander rais'd on higb,

And told the tidings to the sky;

Contempt discharg'd a living dart,

A side-long viper to her heart ;

Reproach breath'd poisons o'er her face,

And soil'd, and blasted e.v'ry grace ;

Officious Shame, her handmaid new,

Still tura'd the mirror to her view,

VYhile those in crimes the deepest died,

Approach'd to whiten at her side ;

And ev'ry lewd, insulting dame

Upon her folly rose to fame.

What should she do? Attempt once more To gain the late-deserted shore ? So trnstin«, back the Mourner flew, As fast the train of hends pursue.

Again the farther shore's attain'd, Again the lanJof Yirtue gain'd; But echo gathers in the wind. And shews her instant foes behind. Amaz'd, with headlong speed she tends W^here late she left an host of friends ; Alas .' those shrinking frieuds decline. Nor longer own that form divine ; With fear they mark the foU'wing cry, And from the lonely trembler fly, Or backward drive her on the coast. Where peace was wreck'd, and honour lost. From earth thus hoping aid in vain. To h^av'n not daring to complain,. No truce by hostile clamour giv'n, And from the face of friendship driv'n, The nymph sunk prostrate on the ground, With all her weight of woes around.

Enthron'd witliin a circling sky, Upon a mount, o'er mouutaius high.

214 FABLES

All radiant sate, as in a shrine, "Virliie, first effluence divine; Far, far above the scenes of v\oe, That shut this cloud-wrapt world below: Superior goddess, essence bright, Beauty of uncreated light. Whom should mortality survey, As doom'd upoa a certain day. The breath of frailty must expire, The world dissolve in living lire. The ^ems of heav'xi and solar flame Be queuch'd by her eternal beam, And nature, quick'ning in her eye, To rise a new-born phoenix, die.

Hence, unreveal'd to mortal view, A veil around her form she threw, Whicli three sad sisters of the shade, Pain, Care, and Melancholy made. Thro' this her all-enquiring eye, Attentive from her station high. Beheld, abandon'd to despair. The ruins of her fav'rite fair; And with a voice, whose awful sound Appal'd the guilty \>orld around. Bid the tumultuous winds be still, To numl)ers bow'd each list'ning hill, .TJncurl'd the surging of the main. And smooth'd the thorny bed of pain, The golden harp of heav'n she strung. And thus the tuneful goddess sung : Lovely penitent, arise,

Come, aud claim thy kindred skies ;

Come, thy sister angels say.

Thou hast wept thy stains away. Let experience now decide

T'wixt the good and evil tried, '

^Y EDWARD MOORE, la the smooth, enohanted ground, Say, unfold the treasures found.

Stiuotures, rais'd by morning dreams, Sauds, that trip the flitting streams, Down, that anchors on the air, Clouds, that paint their changes there.

Seas that smoothly dimpling lie. While th6 storm impends on high, Showing, in an obvious glass, Joys that in possession pass ;

Transient, lickle, light, and gay, Flatt'ring, only to betray ; What, alas ! can life contain ! Life ! like all its circles — vain.

W'ill the stork, intending rest, On the billow build her nest ? Will the bee demand his store From the bieak, and bladeless shore.** Man alone, intent to stray. Ever turns from wisdom's way, Lays up wealth -in foreign land, vSows the sea, and plows the sand.

Soon this elemental mass*, Soon tb' incumb'ring world shall j^ass, Form be wrapt in wasting lire. Time be spent, and life expire.

Then, ye feoasted works oi men, Where is your asA lum then ? Sons of pleasure, sonsof <'are. Tell me, mortals, tell me where ?

Gone, like traces on the deep, Like a sceptre grasp'd in sleep , * Dews exhal'd from morning glades, Melting snows, and gliding shades.

Pass the world, and what's behind ? Virtue's go:d, by lire rci:n'd ;

FABLES From an universe deprav'd, , From the wreck ol nature sav'J.

Like the life-supporting grain; Fruit of patience and of pain, On the swain's autumnal day, Winnow'd from the chaff away.

Little trembler, iear no more, Thou hast plenteous crops in.store; Seed, by gfcnial sorrows sown, More thnn all thy scoruersown.

What tho' hostile earth despise, Heav'n beholds Avith gentler eyes ; Heav'n thy friendless steps shall guide, Chear thy hours, and guard thy side.

When the fatal truHip shall sound. When th' immortals pour around, Heav'n shall thy return attest, Hail'd by myi'iads of the bless'd. •

Little native of the skies, Lovely pen. tent, arise ; Calm thy bosom, cleac thy brow. Virtue s thy sister now.-

More delightful are my. woes. Than the rapture pleasure knov\s : Richer iar the weeds 1 bring, Than th? robes that grace a king.

On my vvars, of shortest date. Crowns of endless triumph wait j On my cares, a per:od l)less'd ; On ray toils, eternal rest.

Come with Virtue at thy sidr, Come, be ev'ry bar delled, , 'Till we gain our native shore, Sister, oome, and turn no more.

liY EDWARD MOORE. ' 217

FABLE XVI,

LOVE ANn VANITY.

_L HE breezy mox'ning brcath'd perfuine. The wak'ninf( Jlovv'rs unveil'd their bloom, Up with the sun, from short repose Gay health and Iflsly labouf' rose, The milk-maid carol'd at her pail,' ' And shepherds vvliistled o'er tl:e dale ; When Love, who led a rural life, Remote fcom hiistle, state, and strife, Forth from his thatch-roof'd cottage stray'd, Aud stroU'd along the dewy glade.

A nymph, who lightly trip'd it by, To quick attention turn'd his eye ; He mark'd the gesture of the fair, Her self-sufficient grace and a!r, Her steps that mincing me%nt to pleasr?. Her studied negligence and ease; Aud crtrious'to enquire \\hat meant This thing of prettiness and paint, Approaching spoke, and bow'd observant; The lady, slightly, — Sir, yorur servant. —

Such beauty in so rude a place ! Tair-one, you do the couq^ry grace ; At court, no doubt, the publick cafe. But Love has small acquaintance tiierc. — »

Yes, Sir, replied fhe flutt'r ng dame, This form confesses whence it came j But dear variety!, you kngw. Can make us pride and pomp forego. My name is Vanity, I swny The utmost islands of fhe sea •,

FABLES Within my court all honour centers ; I raise the meanest soul that enters, Endow with latent gifts and graces. And model fools for posts and places.

As Vanity appoints at pleasure, The ■^^ orld receives its weight and measure •, Hence all the grand concerns of life, • Joys, cares, plagues, passions, pezce and strife.

Reflect how far my pow'r prevails, Wlien I step in -where natift-e fails, And ev'ry breach-of sense repairing, Am bounteous slill, where heav'n is sparing.

But chief in all their, arts, and airs, Their playing, painting, jio^its, and pray r^, Their various habits a/id compJexions, Fits, frolicks, foibles, and perfections, .Their robing, curling anod adorning. From noon to night, from night to morning, From six to sixty, sick or sound, I rule the female world around.

Hold there a^poment, Cupid cried , iNor boast dominion quite so wide. Was there no province tm invade, But that by Lo%'e and Meekness sway 'd ? Allother empire I resign, Bui be the sphere of beauty mine.

For in the downy tawn of rest That opens on a Roman's breast, Attended by my peaceful I rain, I choose to live, aud choose to reigu.

Far-sighted faith I b»ng along, . And truth, above an army strong; And chastity, of icy, mould, Within the burning tropicks coid ; And lovvhness, to \'\hc5se mild brow The pow'r and pride of nations bow; •

I

BY EDWARD MOORE. 219

And modesty, with downcast eye, That lends the niorn her virgin die; And innocence, array'd in light; And honour, as a tow'r upright: With s\Yeetly winning graces, more Than poets ever dreamt of yore, In unaffected conduct free, All sm.ling sisters, three times three, And rosy peace, the cherub bless'd, That nightly sings us all to rest.

Hence, from the bud of nature's prime. From the first step of infant time, Woman, the world's appointed light. Has skirted ev'ry sliade with white; Has stood for imitation high, To ev'ry heart and ev'ry eye ; From ancient deeds of fair renmvn, Has brought her bright memorials dowu ; To time affix'd perpetual youth, And form'd each tale of love and [rutli.

Upon a new Prometheau plan, She moulds the essence of a man, Tempers his mass, his genius fires, And, as a better soul, inspires.

The rude she softens, warms the cold, Exalts the meek, andchecKS the bold, Calls sloth from his supine repose. Within the cow ard's bosom glows, Of pride unplumes the lofty crest, Bids bashful ment stand confess'd, And like coarse metal from the mines, Collects, irradiates, and refines.

The gentle science she imparts. All manners smooths, informs all hearts ; From her sweet influence are felt Passions that please, and thoughts that melt ;

FABLtS To stormy rage she bids controul, And sinks serenely on the soul, . Softens Deucalion's flinty race, And tunes the ^varring world to peace.

Thus arin'd to all thafs light, and vain, And freed from thy fantastick chain, She fills the sphere by hcav'n assign'd, And rul'd by me, o'er -rides mankind.

He spoke. The n\m])h.impatient stood, And, laughing, thus her speech renew d.

And pi ay, Sir, may I bs so bold To hope your pretty tale is told; And next demand, without a cavil, . What new Utopia do you travel.** — Upon my tvo; d, these high-flown fancies Shew depth of learning — in rQmances.

Why, what unfashion'd stuff you tell us. Of buckram dames and tiptoe fellows .' Go, child : and when you're grown maturer, You'il sl\oot your next opinion surer.

O .such a pretty knack at painting ! And all for soft'ning, and for fainting ! Guess now, who can, a single feature, Thro' the whole piece, of female nature ! Then mark ! my looser hand may fit The lines too coarse for Love lohit.

'Tis said that woman, ])rone to changing, Thro' all the rounds of folly ranging. On life's uncertain ocean riding, Wo reason, rule, nor rudder guiding, Is like the comct!swand'ring- light, Eccentriok, ominous, and bright. Trackless, and shifting as the wind. A sea whose fathom none can find, A moon still changing and levoh iug, A riddle past all human solving.

BY EDWARD MOORE. 2

A bliss, a j)lague, a hcav'n, a hell,

A — something that no man can tell.

Now learn a secret from a friend, But keep your counsel, and attend.

Tho' in their tempers thought so distant. Nor with their sex nor seh es consistent, 'Tis but the diff 'rence of a name, And ev'ry woiijan is the same. For as the s', orld, however varied, And thro' unnumber'd changes carried. Of elemental modes and forms, Clouds, meteors, colours, calms and stomas, Tho' in a thousand suits array'd, Is of onasubject matter made ; So, Sir, a woman's constitution. The world's enigma, finds solution, And let her form be what you will, lam the subject essence stjll.

With the first spark of female sense, The speck of being, I comyience, Withi"n the womb make Iresh advancts. And dictate future qualms and fancies ; Thence in the growing form expand. With childhood travel har.u in hand , And give a taste to all the r joys In gev/gaws, rattles, pomp, and npise.

iCnd now, familiar and unav,'d, I send the flutt'riug soul ab'oad. Pra s'd for her shape, her a.r, her mien, *rhe little goddess, and the queen. Takes at her iniant shrine oblation, And driaks sweet draughts of adulation.

Now blooming, tall, erect, and lair. To dress, becomes her darling care ; The realms of beauty then I bound, I swell the hoop's enchanting round,

19

FABLES . Shrink in the waist's descending size, Heav'd in the snowy bosom rise, High on the floaling lappet sail, Or curld in tresses kiss the gale. Then lo her glass I lead the i'air, And she\y th'e lovely idol there ; Where, struck as by divine emotion, She bows with most sincere devotion, Arid numb'ring ev'ry beauty o'er, • In secret bids the w orld adore.

Then all for parking, and parading, Coquetting, dancing, masquerading ; For balls, plays, courts, and crow ds what pas.-- V And cBurches, sometimes — if the fashion , For women's sqpse of right anS. wrong Is rul'd by the almighty throng ;, Still turns to each meander tame, And swims, the straw of ev'ry stream ; Her soul intrinsick worth.rejects,* Accomivlish'd only in defects ; Such excelletice is her ambition, FoUv, her wisest acquisition, And ev'n from pity and disdain. She'll ciill some reason to be vain.

Thus, Sir, from ev'ry form and feature. The wealth and wants of female nature, And ev'n from vice, which you'd admirt, I gather fuel to the lire ; And on the very base of shame Erect my monument of fame.

Let me another truth attempt, Of which your godship has not dreamt.

• Thtjse shining virtues which you muster, Whence think you they derive their Iitstre.'* From native honour and devotion .-* O yes, a mighty likely notion I

BY EDWARD MOORE. 2^3

Trust me, from titled dames to spinners, 'Tis I make saints, whoe'er imkes syiaers . 'Tis I instruct them to withdraw, And hold presumptuous man in awe : For female %yarth, as I inspire. In just. degrees still mounts the higher. And virtue, so.exlremely nice, Demands long toil, and mighty price : Like Sampson's pillars, fix'd elafe, I bear the sex's tott'ring state ; Sap these, and in a moment's space Down syiks the fabrick to its bajse.

Alike from titles and from toys I spring, the fount of female joys ; In ev'ry widow, wife, and miss, The sole artificer of bliss ; For them each tropick I explore, I cleave the sand of "ev'ry shore ; For them unitinjg India's sail, Sabcca breathes her farthest gale : For them the bullion I refine, Dig sense and virtue from the mine, And from the bowels of invention. Spin oiit the various arts you mention!

Nor bliss alone my pow 'rs bestow, They hold the sov'reignbalm of woe; Beyond the stoick's boasted art, I s©oth the heaving of the heart; To pain give splendor and reli^-f , And gild the pallid face of grief.

Alike the palace .and the plain Admit the glories of my reign ; Thro' ev'ry age, in ev'ry nation. Taste, talents, tempers, state; and station, Whate'er a woman says, I say : "VN'hate'er a woman spends, I pay;

224 F-VBLES

Alike I fill and empJy bags, Flufter in Mnery and rags ; With light coquets thro' folly range,' * And with the prucTe disdain to change.

And now you'd think, 'twixt you and I, That things were ripe for a reply. — But soft, and while I'm in the mood, Kindly permit me to conclude, Their utmost mazes to unravel, And touch the farthest step they travel^

Wh-eu ev'ry pleasure's run aground. And folly tir'd thro' many a round, The nymph conceiving discontent hence, May ripen to an hour's repentance, And vapours, «hed in pious moisture, Disrrj.ss her to a church or cloysfer : Then oii I lead her, with devotion Conspicuous in her dress and motion, Inspire the heav'nly-breathing air. Roll up the lucid eye in pray'r. Soften the voice, and in the face Look melting harmony, and grace.

Thus far extends my friendly pow'r Nor quits her in her latest hour. The couch of decent pain I spread, In form recline her languid head ; Her thoughts I methodize in death, And part not with her parting breath : Then do I set, in order bright, A length of fun'ral pomp to sight. The glil.t'ring tapers and attire, The pinmes, that whiten o'er her bier; And last, presenting to her eye Augelick fineries on high, ,

To scenes of painted biiss I waft her, And form the heav'n she hopes hereafter.

B Y E D W A R D M O O Pi E. 225

In truth, rejoin'd love's gentle god. You've gone a tedious length of road, And strange, In all the toilsome way No house of kind refreshment lay ; No nymph, whose virtues might have tempted, To hold her from her sex exempted.

For one, we'll never quarrel, man ; Take her,%nd keep her, if you can ; • And pleas'd I yield to your petition, Since ev'ry :air, by such permission, Will hold herself the one selected, And so my system stalids protected.

O deaf to virtue, deaf to glory, To truths divinely vouch'd ,n story .' The godhead in his zeal return'd. And kincTling at her malice burn'd ; Then s.\eetly tais'd his voice, and told Of heav'aly nymphs, rever'dof old ; Hipsipyle, who sav'd her sire, And Portia's love, approv'd by fire ; Alike Penelope was quoted. Nor laurel'd Daphne pass'd unnoted ; Nor Laodamia's fatal garter. Nor fam'd Lucretia, honour's martyr; Alceste's voluntary steel. And Cath'rinp, smiling on the wheel. But who can hope to plant conviction, Where cavil grows on contradiction .' Some she evades, or disavows. Demurs to all, and none allows ; A kind of ancient'thing call'd fables I And thus the goddess turn'd the tables.

Now both in argument grew high, And choler fiash'd from either eye ; Nor wonder each refus'd to yield The conquest o^ so fair a field.

226 FABLES

When Lappily arrlv'd in view A goddess whom our grandames knew. Of aspect gi-ave, and sober gait, Majestick, awful, and sedate. As heav'n's autumnal eve serene. When not a cloud o'ercasts the scene ; Once Prudence call'd, a matrqp fam'd. And in old Rome Cornelia nam'd : Quick, at a venture, both agree To leave their strife to her decree.

And now hy eagh the facts were stated In form and manner as related. The case was short. Thpy crav'd opinion, W^hich heild o'er females chief dominion: When thus the goddess, ansvv'ring mild, First.shook her gracious head, and smil'd.

Alas, how willing to comply, Yet how unlit to judge am I*' In times of golden date, 'tis true, I shar'd the iickle sex with you ; But from their presence long precluded^ Or held as one, whose form intruded, Full fifty annual suns can tell, Prudeuce has bid the sex farewell.

In this dilemma what to do, Or wlxo to think of, tieither knew; For both, sti'dbiass'd in opinion, And arrogant of sole dominion, Were forc'd to hold the case compounded, Or leave the quarrel where they found it.

When in the nek, a rural fair, Of inexperienc'd gait and air, ' • , Who ne'er had el oss'd the neighh'ring lake, Nor seen the world beyond a wake. With canibrick coif, and kerchief clean, Tript lightly by them o'er the green.

BY EDWARD MOORE. 2

Now, now! cried love's triumphant child, And at approaching conquest smil'd, If Vanity will once be guided. Our d.ff'rence soon m9y be decided. Behold yon wench, A fit occasion To try your force of gay persuasion. Go you, while I retire aloof, Go, put those boasted pow'rs to proof*, And if your prevalence of art *

Transcends my yet unerring dart, I give the fav'rite contest o'er, And ne'er will boast my empire more.

At once, so 5aid, and so consented ; And well our goddess seera'd contented, Nor pausing, made a moment's stand. But tr.pt, and took the girl in hand.

Meanwhile the godhead, unalarm'd. As one to each occasion arm'd, Ii'orth from his quiver cull d a dart. That ersi had wounded many a heart ; Then bending, drew it to the head ; The bow-string twang'd, the arrow fled, And to her secret .soul addrcss'd, Transfix' d the whiteness of her breast.

But here the dame, whose guardian care Had to a moment watch'd the fair. At once her pocket mirror drr.v. And held the wonder full in view ; As quickly rang'd in otder bright, A thousand beautio rush to sieht, A world of chsrrms till now unknown, A world reveal' d to her alofle ; Enraptur'd stands ^he love-sick maid, Suspended..oer the darling shade, Here only fixes to admire. And centers ev'ry fond desire. THE END.

NOTES .

ON THE

FABLES OF JOHN GAY.

J: AGE 1 5, line 1 3. Hound: a dog who follows liis game by the scent {cJiien-courant). Gre\ hound : a dog that follows game by his sight {levrier).

Pag. 17, 1. 5. Our skin supplies : most of the contracts made betv\een dilferent persons in Eng- land, such as leases, mortga2:es, marriage articles, etc. which are most subject to litigation, are written on parchment made of sheep's skins : the heads of drums are made of the same material.

Pag. 24i 1- 2. Hangman's fees : for every cri- minal executed in England the government pays to the hangman a certain recompense.

P;ig. 29, 1.24. Ared-coar: the general military uaiJornx of English soldiets is red: as tliey are repu- ted men of galiautrv, the .;onntry maidens are taught to fear making acquaintance with tliem.

Pag. 34, 1. 8. Ye.irly groat: it is a kind of pro- verbial saying, th.'< a pin saved every day will amount to the value of a groat f four pence ) a-year.

Ibid. v. 12. Gresl.ara-hall: the cobege of phy- sicians in LoudoTi.

Pag. 35., Jiij, /7. IJghtfoot: the supposed name of the shepherd's do^.

Pag. 37, 1. io. Second piy: the custom for the payment of jiortraits was half the sitm agreed on.. it first sitting; the remainder on de ivcring thepicture.

Pag. 46, 1. 1,2. Straws laid across, the horse-shoe's

NOTES. 22y

Mailed, etc, : means imagined by weak cotftiti'y people to preveat the mlscliievous operations ot witches who, to escape the rage of the populace, are supposed able to mount into the air riding on a broomstick.

Pag. 49, 1. 2. Puss: the common name for a cat, as miiiette in flinch.

Pag. 02, 1. 18. Curl: a bookseller and pnbUsUer noted, at^the time those fables were wrgitten, for sell- ing counterfeited editions Of books, scandalous me- morials, anecdotes, etc. . ,

Pag. 60, 1. 5. Wand : certain flice'rs under go- Tcrnmeut carry white wands when they are in ser- vice, as marks of distinction.

Pag. 62, 1. 1 5. Hockley-hole, Mary-bpne : places near London, noted for combats of dogs, etc.

Pag. 63, 1.24. Ale and be^ : these liquors afe made fiom barley. "

Pag. 0)5^ 1. 19, 20. Submit .to fat^ etc. : the 9th and loth verses of a satyr^ck poem, called ihfi Dispensary, written by doctgr Garth.

Ibid. 1. 28 ; 66, 1. 2. The salt is spilt, knife and fork laid across, etc. : considered by the ignorant vulgar as prognosticks of misfortunes.

Pag. 66, 1. 8. Cornish : the inhabitants of Corn- wall.

Ibid. 1, 24. Ball : a common name for a farmer's horse.

Pag. 67, 1. 25, 27, 28. Turkeys, oysters, chine of sa t pork : dishes frequently served at table about Christmas {JS'oS/).. ■ •

Pag. 70, 1. 21. Southwark fa r: a fa'.r annually held in a suburb of London, likft that of S. Laurent at Paris.

Pag. 71, 1. 3, 4. Thp-flaj) round, somersets: different tricks shewn by tumblers \faire la rone, le saut a la carpe).

20

'2io NOTES.

Pag. 74, ir 27. Waad : see note pAge 60, line 5.

Ibid. 1. 3o. A cliurch-warden blows in : a saty- rick stroke against the cburch-wardens, supposing that they spend, in regaling themselves, the money destined for the poor.

Pag. 97, 1. 23. Moloch: a iamcMs god of the Ammonites, to whose idol children were sacirflced. In the Bible, th^Jews are often reproached with ma- king these sacrifices to Moloch.

Pag. 100, l.,ii. The lavvsn pursue : solicit to be made bishops; those dignitaries wearing large sleeves made of lawn {tinon).

Pag. loi, 1. 34. Scandalum magnatmn: ca- lumny against persons of high consideration.

Pag. 112, 1. I. Yap: the name of the squire's

dof. ^ II

Pag. 117, 1. I. A syllable is wanting to complete the measure >vhich Gay has adopted in these fables. The same defect however appears in all the English editions we have seen: We believe it ought to be

]Sow see hira mad and drunk -vrith power.

*

•Pag. 1 3 1, 1. 1 5,. 19. Roan, Ball: names fre- quently given to cart-horses.

Pag. i33, 1. 5. Threw .the main: a term used in certain games with dice.

Ibid. 1.37. Pilf'ring rattle: the dice-box.

Pag. 145, 1. 2." Corelli; an eqaitient Italian musi- cian, who died in 1733.

Pag. i5i, h ^{\. He brought : the pronoun he refers to deaths which in EngUsh is of the masculine gender, *

NOTES

FABLES OF EDWARD MOORE.

JLAGE 1 56, line 27. Author of Gustavus Vasa: II. Brooke, Esq,

Pag. 176, 1, 19. Past twelve o'clock: a guard, called a watchman, is posted in almost every street of London, during the «;ght! To prove his vigilance, he is obliged, when the clock strikes, to announce the hour in a loud voice.

Pag. 178, 1. 18. Hardwick : lord chancellor of England, during t>\enty years; one of the most able lawyers and upright judges that kingdom has ever known.

Pag. 189, I. 3r>.. Elackmore ; a physician who died in i 726. He wrote several poems, for which he gained but little reputation, especially among the other poets of h^s time.

Ibid. 1. 33. Curl; see note on page 52.

Pag. 190, 1. 22. Gibber: a celebrated come- dian, and for many years poet-laureat, in which post he was obliged to write tvvo odes every year; one for the new year, the other for the anniversary .of the king's birth -day; these subjects had been so ex- hausted, that they could not be favourable to the genius of any poet. P)nt Gibber so far surpassed the dulness of his predecessors, that Pope ma^, him the hero of his celebrated mock-heroick poeiL|the Dunciad.

Ibid. 1. 24. Henley: a licentious priest, noted,

a32 • NOTES.

even to a proverb, for want of morals, modesty, and

learning.

Pag. 192, 1. I . Dem-me : an affected manner of pronouncing Damn me.

Ibid. 1. 1 5. Masons' sign: one of the secrets of tbe society of Free-masons.

Pag. 220,1. r4. Utopia: an imaginary country wTiere not. only the government, but every thing, is perfect. An account of this country has been given by Sir Thomas More, chancellor of England in the reign of Henry the eighth, under the title of Utopia.

Pag. 222, 1. II. Parking; going frequently to the park, which is the principal pubUck walk at London, as the Tuileries at Paris.

S. Baldwin.

EXD OF THE NOTKS.

♦•

TABLE

OF THE FABLES

BY JOHN GAY.

PART THE FIRST.

XxTRODrrxiox tothe Fables. The Sheptieftd

and the Philosopher. Page 5

To his highness William, duke' of Cumher- land.

1 The Lion, the Tyger, and the Traveller. <j

2 The Spaniel and the Cameleon. 12

3 The Mother, the Nurse, and the Faiiry, i3

4 The Eagle and the assembly, of animals. 14

5 The wild Boar and the Ram. 16

6 The Miser and Plutus. 1 7

7 The Lion, the Fox, and the Geese. 19

8 The Lady and the Wasp. 20

9 The Bull and the Mastilf. 22

10 The Elephant and the Bookseller. si

11 The Peacock, the Turkey, and the Goose. i5

12 Cupid, Hymen, and Plutus. • 27

1 3 The tame Stag. 28

14 The ^lonkey who had seen the world. 3o I 5 The Philosopher and the Pheasants. 32 16 The Pin and the Needle. 33 I 7 The shepherd's Dog and the Wolf. 3ti iS The Paiute»who pleased nobody and every

body, 35

534 TABLE.

19 The LioE and the Cub. Page

20 The old Hen and the Cock.

21 The Rat-catcher audCats. 11. The Goat without a beard.

2 3 The old Woman and her Cats.

24 The Butterfly and the Snail.

25 The Scold and the Parrot. SI0 The Cur and the Mastiff.

27 The sick Man and the Angel.

28 The Persian, the Sun, and the Cloud.

29 The Fox at the point of death.

30 The settng Dog and the Partridge.

3 1 The universal Apparition.

82 The two Owls and ihe Sparrow.

33 The Courtier and Proteus.

34 The Ma stiffs:

35 The Rarley-mow and the Dunghill. . 36 Pythrigoras and the Countryman.

37 The Farmer's Wife and the Raven.

38 The Turkey and the Ant. 3L9 The I'^ather and Jupiter.

■ 40 The two Monkeys. •

41 The Owl and the Farmer.

42 The Jugglers.

43 The Council of Horses.

44 The Hound and the Huntsman.

45 The Poet and the Rose.

46 The Cur, the Horse, and the shepherd's D^g.

47 The Court of Death.

48 The Gardener and the Hog,

49 The Man and the Flea.

50 The Hare and many friends.

TABLE. 235 PART THE SECOND.

Advertisement. Page 89

1 The Dog and tlj,e Fox. lb.

2 The Vulture, the Sparrow, and other Birds.

3 The Bal)oon and tba Boultry.

4 The Ant in ofiice. 100

5 The Bear n a boat. 104

6 The Squire and his Cur. 108

7 The Countryman and Jupiter. ii3

8 The Man, the Cat, the Dog, and the hj. , 1 18

9 The Jackall, Leopard, and other Beasts. 122

10 The degenerate Bees. ia6

11 The Pack-horse and the Carrier. 120

12 Pan and Fortune. iSa

1 3 Plutus, Cupid, and Time. i36

1 4 The Owl, the Swan, the Cock, the Spider, the

Ass, and the Farmer. 141

1 5 The Cook-maid, the Tumspit, and the Ox. 1 45

16 The Ravens, the Sexton, and the Earth worm. 149

TABLE

OF THE FABLES

BY EDWARD MOORE.

J: REFACE. • • Page

1 The liaglg and tUe assembly of Birds.

2 The Panther, the liorse, and other Beasts.

3 The Nightingale and the Glow-worm.

4 Hymen and Death.

5 The Poet and Ifls Patron.

6 The Wolf, the Sheep, and the Lamb.

7 The Goose and the Swans,

8 The Lawyer and Justice.

9 The I'^armer, the Spaniel, and the Cat. .

10 The Spider au4 the Bee.

1 1 The young Lion and the Ape.

12 The Colt and the Farmer.

1 3 The Owl and the ]\if;htingale.

1 4 The Sparrow and the Dove.

1 5 The Female Seducers.

1 6 Love and Vanity.

j[56. i57

i6o

163

164

166

169

172

175

178

181

i83

185^

18S

202 u^7

THE end:

^.

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