A Country 'Squire, by whim directed, His hand ne'er ftroak'd the spaniel's head. By lyes had banish'd all the reft. If any ftranger dar'd intrude, The noify Cur his heels purfued. Now fierce with rage, now ftruck with dread, 135 At once he fnarl'd, bit, and fled. 140 Now, Now, in his howl's continued found, Their words were loft, the voice was drown'd. Ever in awe of honeft tongues, 145 Thus every day he strain'd his lungs. It happen'd, in ill-omen'd hour, That Yap, unmindful of his power, Forfook his poft, to love inclin'd; A favourite bitch was in the wind. By her feduc'd, in amorous play, They frisk'd the joyous hours away. Thus by untimely love pursuing, Like Antony he fought his ruin. 150 For now the 'Squire, unvex'd with noise, 155 Be free, fays he; your mind impart; friends. 160 165 170 The 'Squire heard Truth. Now Yap rufh'd in; The wide hall echoes with his din; Yet Truth prevail'd; and, with disgrace, The dog was cudgel'd out of place. 175 FABLE VII. THE COUNTRYMAN AND JUPITER. To Myself. HAVE you a friend (look round and spy) So fond, fo prepoffefs'd as I? Your faults, fo obvious to mankind, When by the breath of Fortune blown, Still perfeveres to keep you down. 5 10 15 20 The your ftate. The gifts of Fortune truly rate, If happiness on wealth were built, As grows Think, Gay, (what ne'er may be the cafe) Should Fortune take you into grace, With change of fortune change of mind? You might start out a glaring fool; Sunk is all credit, writs affail, 25 30 35 40 And doom your future life to gaol. Or, were you dignify'd with power, 45 Would that avert one penfive hour? Then, from the hirelings in your cause L 4 50 Could Could it a real joy impart ? Who finds content, will find her there. "Good Gods! he cries, 'tis hard to bear 55 A Peafant refted on his fpade. 60 This load of life from year to year! Soon as the morning streaks the skies, 65 And every day renews my care." Jove heard the discontented ftrain, And thus rebuk'd the murmuring fwain. Speak out your wants, then, honest Friend: Unjuft complaints the gods offend, If you repine at partial Fate, Inftru&t me what could mend your state. 70 Mankind in every station see. What with you? tell me what you 'd be.” So faid, upborne upon a cloud, .75 The Clown furvey'd the anxious crowd. "Yon' face of care, fays Jove, behold, His bulky bags are fill'd with gold. See with what joy he counts it o'er ! 80 "Were |