Humble your arrogance of thought, 35 40 W FABLE XXXIII. THE COURTIER AND PROTEUS. HENEVER a Courtier 's out of place, As one of thefe (without his wand) In projects to regain his power, "Came you from court? for in A felf-important air is feen." 5 10 your mien 15 He frankly own'd his friends had trick'd him, And how he fell his party's victim. "Know> "Know, fays the God, by matchless skill I change to every fhape at will; But yet, I'm told, at court you fee Thu faid: a Snake, with hideous trail, 20 "Know, fays the Man, though proud in place, All Courtiers are of reptile race. Like you, they take that dreadful form, Sudden the God a Lion ftands; He shakes his mane, he fpurns the fands. "Had I ne'er liv'd at court, he cries, A Wolf, an Afs, a Fox, a Bear. Such transformation might furprize; But there, in quest of daily game, 30 35 Each able Courtier acts the fame; 40 Wolves, Lions, Lynxes, while in place, Their friends and fellows are their chace. They play the Bear's and Fox's part, Now rob by force, now steal with art. 45 So So faid: upon the God he flies, In cords the struggling captive ties. “Now, Proteus! now (to truth compell'd) Speak, and confefs thy art excell❜d. Ufe ftrength, furprise, or what you will, And never forc'd to leave his lyes." 50 55 THOSE who in quarrels interpofe, And frequent fights retrench'd his ears. As on a time he heard from far Two dogs engag'd in noify war, 5 10 Away he fcours, and lays about him, 15 Forth Forth from his yard a tanner flies, And to the bold intruder cries: "A cudgel fhall 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 fee the battle thus perplex'd, 20 With equal rage a butcher, vex'd, Hoarfe-fcreaming from the circled crowd, 25 To the curs'd Maftiff cries aloud : Both Hockleyhole and Marybone The combats of my dog have known: He ne'er, like bullies, coward-hearted, Attacks in public, to be parted. 30 Think not, rafh fool, to share his fame; Be his the honour, or the fhame." 35 Thus faid, they fwore, and rav'd like thunder, Then dragg'd their faften'd dogs afunder; While clubs and kicks from every fide Rebounded from the Maftiff's hide. All reeking now with fweat and blood, A while the parted warriors ftood; Then pour'd upon the meddling foe, Who, worried, howl'd and fprawl'd below. He rofe; and limping from the fray, By both fides mangled, fneak'd away. FABLE FABLE XXXV. THE BARLEY-MOW AND THE DUNGHILL. OW How many faucy airs we meet From Temple-bar to Aldgate-street! Proud rogues, who shared the South-fea prey, And sprung like mushrooms in a day! They think it mean to condefcend To know a brother or a friend; They blush to hear their mother's name, "Say, good Sir, is it fit or right And that vile dunghill near me plac❜d? 5 10 15 20 20 Are |