Poems on Several Occasions :: :: University of Virginia Library

She's gone, and I by Providence uncommon
Have kept my Senses, tho' I've lost my Woman;
And, to my comfort, still have this to say,
Tho' Morelove caught, 'twas I who chas'd the prey.
So the tir'd hare a mongril Curr may kill;
The gen'rous Hounds will have the credit still.
Like me, ye Beaux, pursue the flying Fair;
Do you but win, and let another wear.
True Sportsmen only at diversion aim,
Your lazy Gluttons love to eat the game.
Which of us two, d'ye think, hast most miscarried?
I am contented, and my rival's married.
'Tis true, he may be happy in his Wife;
But 'tis a happiness must last for Life.
Had he, like me, but for Amusement lov'd,
Gay and unquestion'd he might still have rov'd;
But, dully constant, he embrac'd the chain;
Confinement, tho' to Pleasure, is a Pain.
Thus on a time (as ancient authors say)
A wanton Eagle bore a Lamb away,

Him, while he sported with his prey in air,
A mimic Crow attentive ey'd from far;
Strait on a Lamb (like him) he fell from high,
But, oh! in vain (like him) he strove to fly;
The envious Fleece th' unwary fool confin'd:
Soft are the Marriage Tyes, but fast they bind.