Soldiers and citizens, a seemly train! And lawyers and physicians, sought her cell, With many a schoolman-But their search was vain : Few can the residence of Fortune tell. Where the wretch Avarice was wont to hide Meagre and wan, in tatter'd garments dress'd, Mortals, avaunt (the trembling spectre cries), 'Doubts, Disappointments, Anarchy of mind, These are the soldiers that surround his hall; And every Fury that can lash mankind, Rage, Rancour, and Revenge attend his call. 'Fortune's gone forth, you seek a wandering dame, A settled residence the harlot scorns: Curse on such visitants, she never came But with a cruel hand she scatter'd thorns! To the green vale, yon sheltering hills surround, Go forward, you'll arrive at Wisdom's cell: Would you be taught where Fortune may be found, None can direct your anxious search so well.' Forward they went o'er many a dreary spot (Rough was the road, as if untrod before), Till from the casement of a low-roof'd cot Wisdom perceived them, and unbarr'd her door. Wisdom (she knew of Fortune but the name) Gave to their questions a serene reply: • Hither (she said), if e'er that goddess came, I saw her not-she pass'd unnoticed by. Abroad with Contemplation oft I roam, And leave to Poverty my humble cell: She's my domestic, never stirs from home, If Fortune has been here, 'tis she can tell. 'The matron eyes us from yon mantling shade, And see her sober footsteps this way bent! Mark by her side a little rose-lipp'd maid, [tent.' 'Tis my young daughter, and her name's ConAs Poverty advanced with lenient grace, 6 Fortune (she cried) hath never yet been here: But Hope, a gentle neighbour of this place, Tells me, her highness may in time appear. Felicity, no doubt, adorns their lot, On whom her golden bounty beams divine! Yet though she never reach our rustic cot, Patience will visit us-we sha'n't repine.' After a vast but unavailing round, The messengers returning in despair, On a high hill a fairy mansion found, And hoped the goddess Fortune might be there. The dome, so glittering, it amazed the sight ('Twas adamant, with gems encrusted o'er), Had not a casement to admit the light, Nor could Jove's deputies descry the door. E But eager to conclude a tedious chase, And anxious to return from whence they came, Thrice they invoked the Genius of the place, Thrice utter'd, awfully, Jove's sacred name. As Echo from the hill announced high Jove, Oft for that happiness high courts denied, Prostrate, the delegates their charge declare, Men of all ranks at that illustrious place Were gather'd; though from different motives keen: Many-to see dame Fortune's radiant face, Jove smiled, as on a favourite he esteems, Daughter (says Jupiter), you're sore accused! If by the rancour of that wretch abused, "Though pester'd daily with complaints from Man, 'But the poor quadruped that now appeals! That she descends not to regard– -an Ass?' Fame enter'd in her rolls the sage reply; The dame defendant was discharged with grace. 'Go-(to the plaintiff, said the sire) and try By merit to surmount your low-born race. 'Learn from the Lion to be just and brave, Take from the Elephant instruction wise; With gracious breeding like the Horse behave, Nor the sagacity of Hounds despise. These useful qualities with care imbibe, For which some quadrupeds are justly prized: Attain those talents that adorn each tribe, And you'll no longer be a wretch despised.' THE VIOLET. SHELTER'D from the bright ambition, See me in my low condition, On my robes (for emulation) Mine's an unembroider'd vest. Modest though the maids declare me, THE NARCISSUS. As pendent o'er the limpid stream I saw her in the watery glass, Ye fates, no longer let me pine, I |