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Poems, chiefly pastoral

By John Cunningham. The second edition. With the Addition of several pastorals and other pieces
 
 

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121

THE SHEEP AND THE BRAMBLE-BUSH:

A FABLE.

A thick-twisted brake, in the time of a storm,
Seem'd kindly to cover a sheep:
So snug, for a while, he lay shelter'd and warm,
It quietly sooth'd him asleep.
The clouds are now scatter'd—the winds are at peace;
The sheep to his pasture inclin'd:
But ah! the fell thicket lays hold of his fleece,
His coat is left forfeit behind.
My friend, who the thicket of law never try'd,
Consider before you get in;
Tho' judgement and sentence are pass'd on your side,
By Jove, you'll be fleec'd to the skin.