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Pierides

or The Muses Mount. By Hugh Crompton
  

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75. The Aspirer.
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111

75. The Aspirer.

Full-fraighted with a strong desire, he seeks
That fames loud Trumpeter might fill his cheeks,
To tell his glory to all humane ears,
And make it thunder in the Hemisphears:
Nought will suffice him but a large report
Of his magnificence about the Court;
He would be Cæsar faine: but heark my friend,
In all essayes premeditate thy end.
He that's exalted, quickly may be cast
By rapid storms, disturb'd by every blast.
The Cedars tremble, while the Bushes stand,
Not mov'd not frighted by the winds command.
And the bold Borean arm most strongly knocks
Against the largest and the tallest rocks:
When fortune meeteth with her strongest foe,
She takes advantage there to overthrow.
Destruction glories and delights to ride
Upon the shoulders of presuming pride.
The longest freedom has the closest thrall:
The highest rise begets the greatest fall.
Since then such danger in the mountain lies,
Fond youth descend, descend if thou art wise.
It is a fate more happy to remain
{Tius} belov'd, then Crœsus in disdain.
Besides, thy worth can challenge no such thought,
As Princes Reliques, they are dearly bought

112

By birth & blood, blood spilt, and blood that's noble;
Sad thoughts, high passions, and a world of trouble.
Now, if th' are thine by birth and worthy deed,
Arm thou thy self with boldness, and proceed
Unto possession; but (alas) we know
No birth nor merit e're in thee did grow.
Then spell thy self, and ponder on thy merit,
For thou art too unworthy to inherit
Such Gems as these. Each vulgar must not pass
Within the bounds of the Corinthian Lass.
Wilt thou be Prince? review thy self, and than
Thou mayst be happy if a Serving man.
Besides, were honour thine by Ioves decree,
Thou needst not seek for it, 't would follow thee