The Works of Hildebrand Jacob ... Containing Poems on Various Subjects, and Occasions; With the Fatal Constancy, a Tragedy; and Several Pieces in Prose. The Greatest Part Never Before Publish'd |
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ÆNIGMA. |
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 | The Works of Hildebrand Jacob |  |
155
ÆNIGMA.
Vile Instrument! but useful still;A Damp to Joy, a Guard from Ill;
Scorn'd by the Bold; by Sages priz'd;
But, when most friendly, most despis'd.
As Monarchs, in Intrigues of State,
Are forc'd to trust the Knaves they hate,
And, when the dirty Work is o'er,
Regard the sordid Tools no more;
E'en so, when thou hast serv'd our Turn,
We cast thee forth, or let thee burn.
| The Works of Hildebrand Jacob | |