These for the rich: the rest, whom Fate had plac'd In modest mediocrity, content With base materials, sat on well-tann'd hides, Obdurate and unyielding, glassy smooth, 50 If cushion might be call'd, what harder seem'd In Albion's happy isle. The lumber stood And some ascribe th' invention to a priest, Complain'd, though incommodiously pent in, 'Gan murmur, as became the softer sex. Than when employ'd t' accommodate the fair, And in the midst an elbow it receiv'd, United yet divided, twain at once. So sit two kings of Brentford on one throne; 70 Close pack'd, and smiling, in a chaise and one. so But relaxation of the languid frame, By soft recumbency of outstretch'd limbs, Was bliss reserv❜d for happier days. So slow The growth of what is excellent; so hard The nurse sleeps sweetly, hir'd to watch the sick, Whom snoring she disturbs. As sweetly he, 90 Who quits the coach-box at the midnight hour, Sweet sleep enjoys the curate in his desk, O may I live exempted (while I live Guiltless of pamper'd appetite obscene) From pangs arthritic, that infest the toe Of libertine Excess. The SOFA suits The gouty limb, 'tis true; but gouty limb, 100 Though on a SOFA, may I never feel: For I have lov'd the rural walk through lanes Of grassy swarth, close cropp'd by nibbling sheep,110 Of thorny boughs; have lov'd the rural walk Of hours, that sorrow since has much endear'd, Or blushing crabs, or berries, that emboss By culinary arts, unsav'ry deems. No SOFA then awaited my return; Nor SOFA then I needed. Youth repairs 120 His wasted spirits quickly, by long toil Incurring short fatigue; and, though our years, And not a year but pilfers as he goes 130 Some youthful grace, that age would gladly keep; A tooth, or auburn lock, and by degrees Their length and colour from the locks they spare; That mounts the stile with ease, or leaps the fence, Swift pace or steep ascent no toil to me, Mine have not pilfer'd yet; nor yet impair'd 140 my walks, Whose arm this twentieth winter I perceive Fast lock'd in mine, with pleasure such as love, Confirm'd by long experience of thy worth |