FABLE IV. The Pine and Shrubs:
Or, High Stations, insecure.
A lofty
Pine, some humble Shrubs despis'd,
Valu'd his Use, and his Employment pris'd;
Boasted his Height, for which he did deserve
In Princes Navies, and their Courts, to serve;
While the low Brambles, of ignoble Kind,
Were for no Use, unless to burn, design'd.
The Shrubs reply'd; Tho' you, Exalted Sir,
Insult our Baseness, and your Worth prefer;
Still our Advantages you have forgot,
And what Misfortunes often are your Lot:
When the keen Ax shall your large Trunk invade,
And all your Honour in the Dust is laid;
You will not then our Lowly State abuse,
But wou'd our Meanness, with our Safety, chuse.
The MORAL.
‘Appendant Ills on Lofty Stations wait;
‘The Lowly, find a more propitious Fate:
‘These rest secure within their humble Sphere,
‘And, free from Danger, are exempt from Fear:
‘But those, expos'd to ev'ry Tempest's Rage,
‘Feel the Misfortunes which their Fears presage:
‘Their Glory, like a Structure rais'd too high,
‘Soon tumbles down, and always stands awry.
