And hence, he said, my mind computes His object chosen, wealth or fame, Or other sublunary game, Presents it deck'd with ev'ry hue, 30 That can seduce him not to spare His pow'rs of best exertion there, Ere long approach life's ev'ning shades, The glow, that fancy gave it, fades; And, earn'd too late, it wants the grace, That first engag'd him in the chase. True, answer'd an angelic guide, urge the fruitless chase be lost, 40 Must be decided by the worth Of that, which call'd his ardour forth. Must cause him shame or discontent; A vicious object still is worse, Successful there he wins a curse; But he, whom ev'n in life's last stage Is paid, at least in peace of mind, A brighter prize than that he meant Either too early or too late. 50 58 THE FAITHFUL BIRD. THE greenhouse is my summer seat; Two goldfinches, whose sprightly song Had been their mutual solace long, Liv'd happy pris'ners there. They sang, as blithe as finches sing, And frolic where they list; Strangers to liberty, 'tis true, But that delight they never knew, And therefore never miss'd. 10 But nature works in ev'ry breast; And Dick felt some desires, That, after many an effort vain, A pass between his wires. The open windows seem'd t' invite 20 The freeman to a farewell flight; But Tom was still confin'd; And Dick, although his way was clear, Was much too gen'rous and sincere To leave his friend behind. So settling on his cage, by play, You must not live alone. Nor would he quit that chosen stand, Till I, with slow and cautious hand, Return'd him to his own. 30 Oh ye, who never taste the joys Of Friendship, satisfied with noise, Fandango, ball, and rout! Blush, when I tell you how a bird A prison with a friend preferr'd To liberty without. THE NEEDLESS ALARM. A TALE. 36 THERE is a field, through which I often pass, Thick overspread with moss and silky grass, Adjoining close to Kilwick's echoing wood, Where oft the bitch fox hides her hapless brood, Reserv'd to solace many a neighb'ring squire, That he may follow them through brake and brier, Contusion hazarding of neck or spine, Which rural gentlemen call sport divine. |