THE PACK-HORSE AND THE CARRIER. To a young Nobleman. BEGIN, my Lord, in early youth The tree's distinguish'd by the fruit: Though with less plate their sideboard shone, Their conscience always was their own; They ne'er at levees meanly fawn'd, If you the paths of learning slight, If you, to serve a paltry end, To knavish jobs can condescend, We pay you the contempt that's due; From virtue and unblemish'd fame? Superior worth your rank requires ; A Carrier, every night and morn, They snorted, jostled, bit and flung. A Pack-horse turn'd his head aside, "Good gods!" says he, "how hard's my lot! Kick'd by old Ball! so mean a foe! There, yearly are his triumphs told, 66 'Vainglorious fool!" the Carrier cried, Respect was never paid to pride. Know, twas thy giddy wilful heart Reduced thee to this slavish part. Did not thy headstrong youth disdain To learn the conduct of the rein ? Thus coxcombs, blind to real merit, In vicious frolics fancy spirit. What is't to me by whom begot? Thou restive, pert, conceited sot. Your sires I reverence; '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 or pace. What profits me thy boast of blood? An ass hath more intrinsic good. By outward show let's not be cheated! An ass should like an ass be treated." SOON as your Father's death was known "No house," says he, "is more complete; The garden's elegant and great. How fine the park around it lies! The timber's of a noble size! |