And being lost perhaps, and wand'ring wide, I hold it therefore wisest and most fit, Him answer'd then his loving mate and true, But more discreet than he, a Cambrian ewe. How? leap into the pit our life to save? To save our life leap all into the grave? The depth how awful! falling there, we burst: 110 In part abate, that happiness were small; For with a race like theirs no chance I see peace or ease to creatures clad as we. Meantime, noise kills not. Be it Dapple's bray, And rush those other sounds, that seem by tongues While thus she spake, I fainter heard the peals, For Reynard, close attended at his heels By panting dog, tir'd man, and spatter'd horse, Through mere good fortune took a diff'rent course. The flock grew calm again, and I, the road So sweet to huntsman, gentleman, and hound. 130 MORAL. Beware of desp'rate steps. The darkest day, Live till to morrow, will have pass'd away. BOADICEA. AN ODE. WHEN the British warrior queen, Bleeding from the Roman rods, Sought, with an indignant mien, Counsel of her country's gods, Sage beneath the spreading oak Full of rage, and full of grief. Princess! if our aged eyes Weep upon thy matchless wrongs, "Tis because resentment ties All the terrours of our tongues. Rome shall perish—write that word Rome, for empire far renown'd, Tramples on a thousand states; Soon her pride shall kiss the ground Hark! the Gaul is at her gates! 10 20 Other Romans shall arise, Heedless of a soldier's name; Sounds, not arms, shall win the prize, |