The works of Mr. Thomas Brown Serious and Comical, In Prose and Verse; In four volumes. The Fourth Edition, Corrected, and much Enlarged from his Originals never before publish'd. With a key to all his Writings |
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The Fable of the Wolf and Porcupine. In answer to the Argument against a Standing Army. |
The works of Mr. Thomas Brown | ||
The Fable of the Wolf and Porcupine. In answer to the Argument against a Standing Army.
I
Isgrim with Hunger prest, one dayAs through the Woods he posted,
A Porcupine found on the Way,
And in these Terms accosted.
II
Our Wars are ended, Heav'n be prais'd,Then let's sit down and prattle
Of Towns invested, Sieges rais'd,
And what we did in Battle.
III
The Plains a pleasing Prospect yield,No Fire, nor Desolation;
While Plenty reigns in every Field,
And Trade restores the Nation.
IV
Yet you your Quills erected wear,And tho' none seeks to harm ye,
In time of Peace about you bear
Methinks a Standing Army.
V
Friend, quoth the Porcupine, 'tis true,The War's at length decided,
But 'gainst such tricking Blades as you,
'Tis good to be provided.
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VI
Censorious Fame shall never sayThat too much Faith betray'd me;
Who thinks of me to make a Prey,
Must at his Cost invade me.
VII
Let him, that thinks it worth the while,Tempt Knaves to make a Martyr,
The Sharpers, that wou'd me beguile,
Shall find they've caught a Tartar.
The works of Mr. Thomas Brown | ||