FABLE XLIX. The Hermit and Soldier:
Or, Involuntary Reformation.
A pious Hermit, whose Regard was shown
As much for others Safety as his own;
Advis'd a Soldier to consult his Ease,
And keep his Body and his Soul in Peace;
By timely quitting the lewd Camp, which few,
Without exposing both at once, pursue.
To whom the Man of War, with Thanks, reply'd,
Your Counsel, Rev'rend Sir, shall be my Guide:
For now the Times are grown so very bad,
That neither Pay nor Plunder can be had.
The MORAL.
‘Thus freely, Men, when they can sin no more,
‘Renounce the Vices they indulg'd before:
‘The Drunkard, when enfeebl'd by Excess,
‘Do's firm Resolves of Temperance express.
‘The Leacher does in Continence engage,
‘When from his Swinge he is restrain'd by Age:
‘Thus All expect to be accounted Good,
‘Because they cannot act the Crimes they wou'd.
‘But they in vain their Boasts of Virtue make,
‘Who ne'er their Sins, 'till left by them, forsake:
‘For he, whom want of Means with-holds from Ill,
‘Is not Reform'd, but Good against his Will.
