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184

[Had what the Samian Philosoph supposes]

Had what the Samian Philosoph supposes
Been true, that souls, by a metempsichosis,
Leaving their former tenements of clay,
In which they can no longer act nor stay,
As tenants leave their lodgings when decay'd,
And of approaching ruins when affraid,
To find some other lodging that is better
For action, and for habitation fitter,
Where they (when from their former houses gone)
Their former trade and projects carry on;
For by experience we daily find,
A change of lodging makes no change of mind,
185

As those to foreign countries who repair,
Change not their manners, tho' they change the air;
This great heroic soul, without delay,
Should once more animate some house of clay,
With equal success, and with equal fame,
To play again the long long-look'd for game,
Peace, truth, and injur'd justice to restore,
And drive Usurpers to their proper shore.
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