THE HAPPY MAN. How happy is he born or taught, Whose passions not his masters are ; Of princes' ear, or vulgar breath: Who hath his life from rumours freed; Who envies none, whom chance doth raise, Who God doth late and early pray, With a well-chosen book or friend. This man is freed from servile bands Sir Henry Wotton. THE CHOICE OF HERCULES. Now had the son of Jove mature, attain'd Where passion leads, or prudence points the way. In the pure mind, at those ambiguous years, Or vice, rank weed, first strikes her pois'nous Or haply virtue's op'ning bud appears [root; By just degrees; fair bloom of fairest fruit: For, if on youth's untainted thought impress'd, The gen'rous purpose still shall warm the manly breast. As on a day, reflecting on his age For highest deeds now ripe, Alcides sought Musing, with steady pace the youth pursu'd Conversing; while intent the mind survey'd The dubious path of life: before him lay [way. Here Virtue's rough ascent, there Pleasure's flow'ry Much did the view divide his wavering mind: Now glow'd his breast with generous thirst of fame; Now love of ease to softer thoughts inclin'd Graceful, yet each with different grace, they move: This, striking sacred awe; that softer, winning love. The first, in native dignity surpass'd; Artless and unadorn'd she pleas'd the more: Health o'er her looks a genuine lustre cast; A vest, more white than new-fall'n snow, she The other dame seem'd ev'n of fairer hue; Lightly she danc'd along; her robe betray'd Oft with a smile she view'd herself askance; With freedom bland the wond'ring youth ad With winning fondness on his neck she hung; Sweet as the honey-dew flow'd her enchanting tongue. 'Dear Hercules, whence this unkind delay? Dear youth, what doubts can thus distract thy. mind? Securely follow, where I lead the way; And range through wilds of pleasure unconfin'd. With me retire, from noise, and pain, and care; Embath'd in bliss, and wrapt in endless ease: Rongh is the road to fame, through blood and war; Smooth is my way, and all my paths are peace.› With me retire, from toils and perils free; Leave honour to the wretch! pleasures were made for thee. "Then will I grant thee all thy soul's desire; All that thy thought can frame, or wish require, head; "These will I freely, constantly supply; [woe : Pleasures, not earn'd with toil, nor mix'd with Far from thy rest repining want shall fly; Mature the copious harvest shall be thine; Let the laborious hind subdue the soil: Leave the rash soldier spoils of war to win; Won by the soldier thou shalt share the spoil: These softer cares my blest allies employ, New pleasures to invent; to wish, and to eujoy.' Her winning voice the youth attentive caught: He gaz'd impatient on the smiling maid; Still gaz'd, and listen'd: then her name besought: 'My name, fair youth, is Happiness,' she said. 'Well can my friends this envy'd truth maintain: They share my bliss; they best can speak my praise: Though slander call me Sloth-detraction vain! By this arriv'd the fair majestic maid : (She all the while, with the same modest pace, Compos'd advanc'd.) 'Know, Hercules,' she said With manly tone, thy birth of heav'nly race; Thy tender age that lov'd instruction's voice, Promis'd thee generous, patient, brave, and wise; When manhood should confirm thy glorious choice: Now expectation waits to see thee rise: Rise, youth! exalt thyself, and me: approve Thy high descent from Heav'n; and dare be worthy Jove. |