University of Virginia Library

To a Gentleman, whose Father had left the Bulk of his Estate to a younger Son. In Allusion to the Same Epistle.

Dear Friend, whom favouring Providence allows
A fruitful Soil, that round a pleasant Seat
Lies various; Pasture, Arable, or Wood;
A Plain with rising Hills inclos'd: What now
Shall the divining Muse suppose t'engage
Your thoughtful Hours? Or in some Grove retir'd
You walk unseen; (in Contemplation high
Rais'd up above the World) and see beneath,
Compassionate, the Cares and fond Designs
Of restless Mortals, always in Pursuit
Of what they always have; still heaping up

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351

Stores to be us'd, yet never use their Stores.
O blind of Heart! the Bliss ye seek, behold
Already in your Hands!—Or else with Eyes
Fix'd on some grave Discourse, you now perhaps
Consult with ancient Sages, how to guide
Your Life by Wisdom's Rules, enquiring still
What most beseems the Good t'enquire.—Blest Man!
To whom your wealthy Sire has left enough,
Though with a partial Hand; and God reveal'd
The Secret known to few, to very few,
That ‘Half a great Estate’ (as the wrong'd Bard
To a greedy Brother sung) ‘is more than All.’
Happy! who well have learn'd the precious Art
To value right his Gifts, and freely use
What God has freely sent; nor will be bought
With rich Temptations to enslave your Hours,
And quit the Ease Heaven's Kindness has indulg'd.

What can a careful Mother more request
For her lov'd Son, than to be wise and good;
Able to speak his Sense; that vigorous Health,
And public Fame and Favour may attend

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352

A well-spent Life; and a neat Table, spread
With wholesome Food convenient? Though not rich,
Yet never poor. All beyond this is mere
Incumbrance, and the Wish of Fools, who toil
As if they were to raise a Stock to-day,
On which to live for Ages! Wisely you
Enjoy the present Blessing, and depend
On Heaven for what shall be. This Hour, you think,
May prove your last; and hence to-morrow's Sun,
As unexpected, will more grateful rise.