Conducts th' unguarded nose to such a whiff 470 475 480 Fierce the dispute, whate'er the theme; while she, Fell Discord, arbitress of such debate, Perch'd on the signpost, holds with even hand Her undecisive scales. In this she lays A weight of ignorance; in that, of pride; 485 Dire is the frequent curse, and its twin sound, As ornamental, musical, polite, Like those which modern senators employ, 490 Whose oath is rhet'rick, and who swear for fame! Once simple, are initiated in arts Which some may practise with politer grace, But none with readier skill!—'Tis here they learn The road that leads from competence and peace 496 Society, grown weary of the load, Shakes her encumber'd lap, and casts them out. But censure profits little; vain th' attempt 500 That, like the filth with which the peasant feeds Th' excise is fatten'd with the rich result Of all this riot; and ten thousand casks, 505 For ever dribbling out their base contents, Touch'd by the Midas finger of the state, Bleed gold for ministers to sport away. Drink, and be mad then; 'tis your country bids! 510 515 From courts dismiss'd, found shelter in the groves; Upon the yielding herbage, (so they sing.) Then were not all effac'd; then speech profane, 520 Vain wish those days were never; airy dreams 525 Imparting substance to an empty shade, Grant it: I still must envy them an age That favour'd such a dream: in days like these 530 That to suppose a scene where she presides 535 540 Her elbows ruffled, and her tott'ring form 545 Ill propp'd upon French heels; she might be deem'd The town has ting'd the country; and the stain Appears a spot upon a vestal's robe, 550 The worse for what it soils. The fashion runs 555 Down into scenes still rural; but, alas, Scenes rarely grac'd with rural manners now! Th' unguarded door was safe; men did not watch T' invade another's right, or guard their own. 560 565 570 Through pathless wastes and woods, unconscious once Of other tenants than melodious birds, Or harmless flocks, is hazardous and bold. 575 Lamented change! to which full many a cause Invet'rate, hopeless of a cure, conspires. The course of human things from good to ill, Fcrease of pow'r begets increase of wealth; 580 Excess, the scrofulous and itchy plague, That seizes first the opulent, descends 585 The rich, and they that have an arm to check Desert their office; and themselves, intent On pleasure, haunt the capital, and thus 590 To all the violence of lawless hands Resign the scenes their presence might protect. Though resident, and witness of the wrong. The plump convivial parson often bears 595 The magisterial sword in vain, and lays Perhaps timidity restrains his arm; When he should strike he trembles, and sets free, 600 Th' audacious convict whom he dares not bind. He, too, may have his vice, and sometimes prove 605 His milk-white hand; the palm is harldly clean— Foh! 'twas a bribe that left it: he has touch'd Corruption. Whoso seeks an audit here 610 Propitious, pays his tribute, game or fish, Wild fowl or venison: and his errand speeds. Of publick virtue, ever wish'd remov'd, 615 Works the deplor'd and mischievous effect. 'Tis universal soldiership has stabb'd The heart of merit in the meaner class. Arms, through the vanity and brainless rage 620 Seem most at variance with all moral good, The clown, the child of nature, without guile, But his own simple pleasures; now and then 625 A wrestling match, a foot-race, or a fair; Is balloted, and trembles at the news: Sheepish he doffs his hat, and mumbling swears To do he knows not what. The task perform'd 630 Bent knees, round shoulders, and dejected looks, 635 Grows conscious of a change, and likes it well: He steps right onward, martial in his air, 640 His form and movement; is as smart above Ag meal and larded locks can make him; wears His hat, or his plum'd helmet, with a grace; And, his three years of heroship expir'd, 645 650 By lewdness, idleness, and sabbath breach, The great proficiency he made abroad; T' astonish, and to grieve his gazing friends; 655 To break some maiden's and his mother's heart: To be a pest where he was useful once; Are his sole aim, and all his glory, now. |