The Good for the Good.

If all were bad, man could not bear "His weight of misery and care; "But, sinking underneath his load, "Would die upon life's rugged road. "If evil never reach'd his lot, "Another world would be forgot; "Then wanton mirth, and frolic gay, "Would sport and trifle life away.

"To check the heart so apt to rove,

"Or urge the indolent to move,

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By turns the bridle and the spur

"Will make men stop-or make them stir. "When fairly weigh'd in Reason's scale,

Though now and then the Bad prevail, "The sum to this conclusion leads,

"The Good, by far the Bad exceeds.

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"Wise is the man, whose hopes are such,' "That here he does not wish for much; "Who will not from his meal forbear, "Because it is not angels' fare,

“But thankful takes things as they are."

One little box remain'd unknown, Where Good was for the Good alone. Round this a crowd impatient stood, Who all pretended to be good.

L

310'

The Good for the Good..

A thousand clam'rous claims were heard,
Declaring, this they all preferr'd.
'Twas open'd, and within were found
A Book and Crown, together bound.
The book, seem'd made in days remote,
And on it was, the Bible, wrote;
The Crown, was wreathed laurel green,
With starry gems, the leaves between,

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"With these," said she, "which now you view, "I have not any thing to do;

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They here remain, beyond my sway; "I give them not, nor take away, "Religion bound them thus, to show "They always must together go.

"The Bible is the guide and light "Of those who think and act aright; It leads to pleasures all divine, "And profit, diff'ring far from mine. "The Crown respects a future state, "The sign of exaltation great; "An emblem of that world of bliss, "Reserv'd for those who conquer this.

"The band that joins them, doth declare, "That all who wish the Crown to wear, "Must from the Bible learn the way,

Or miss the prize, and go astray.

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The Good for the Good.

"Thus, you behold the reason plain,

#6

Why Good, the Good alone can gain.

"Yet know, who chuse this Crown and guide, "Are not all other Good deny'd ;

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But 'tis decreed-let none demur

They must this portion first prefer."
Swift from the box the crowd withdrew,
But left behind a noble few;

Yet it was clear that few were wise;
For pleasure sparkled in their eyes,
While viewing such a glorious prize.
The others fretful left the place,
With disappointment on each face;
Each took his lot, but seem'd to say,
"I'll chuse again another day."

}

350

THE THREE FOOLS.

ALAS! in many ways and shapes
Will Folly shew itself in men;

Some are like asses, some like apes,

And some like owls with solemn face,

Assume such gravity and grace,

As look like wisdom, now and then.

The Three Fools.

The man enlighten'd, often feels
The weakness he will humbly own;
He seeks for all that Truth reveals,
And silently instruction steals,

To many a slumb'ring soul unknown :
But he, who most is void of sense,
Incas'd in ignorance profound,
Lifts up his head, in proud pretence,
And glorying hears,

The foolscap jingle in his ears,
And looks for admiration round.
So through some miry road

The sturdy team drag on the load;

And shake their heads, and jog along,

While Roger smacks his harmless thong, Well pleas'd to hear the bells' enliv'ning sound.

It chanc'd, that by inclement weather,
Three travellers had met together,

To seek for shelter, by an inn's fire-side;
The first was Mudge, a plodding Cit,
The next was Spruce, a modern Wit,
The last was Bombast, deeply smit

With love of fame, and philosophic pride,

Now Mudge, though he but little knew,
Was not a little glad,

The Three Fools.

When he by any means could shew,
What little sense he had.

So blund'ring on, he thus began-
"This world I think is strangely made;
"So ill contriv'd, so void of plan,
""Tis hardly an abode for man,
"And must have long to ruin run,
A desert scorching to the sun,
"Had we not kept it up by trade.
"I would not value it two pins,

"But for good Taverns, and good Inns,
"Good wine, good dinners, and such things
"As plenty of good money brings,

"When surly winter bids our comforts fade."

"Now I," said Spruce, " do no agree
"With what so stupidly you mention ;
"This world is good enough for me,
"And 'tis to share it, my intention.
"I love not rustic scenes, I own,

"And hate a rainy day, like this;
"But I admire the world in Town,
"And find its pleasures not amiss.

"I little have to do with day,

"So slumb'ring yawn, and dream till noon,

"Then rise, and eat, and dress me

"To see some entertaining Play,

gay,