Aesop at Paris his letters and fables. Translated from the original French [by Edward Ward] |
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Reflection.
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 | Aesop at Paris |  |
Reflection.
The Spanish Monarchy was Lazy grown,
And had a Log-like K--- to fill the Throne
Unfit for Council, and for Action too,
('Tis bad when one can neither Say nor Do.)
This being their Fate, some few Designing Peers,
Acted the Monarchs part for many Years:
Did, and Undid what ever they thought fit,
The Monarchs Sense would never question it:
His easie Temper made his Subjects be
Saucy, Contemptuous of his Dignity.
He, King in Sine Cure, did ne'er Command,
The Manage of his large extending Land.
So slighted for his Weakness, they desir'd
A Change, and a new King of Jove requir'd,
That with Wise Conduct might theis Armies Lead;
And shew himself an active worthy Head.
And had a Log-like K--- to fill the Throne
Unfit for Council, and for Action too,
('Tis bad when one can neither Say nor Do.)
This being their Fate, some few Designing Peers,
Acted the Monarchs part for many Years:
Did, and Undid what ever they thought fit,
The Monarchs Sense would never question it:
His easie Temper made his Subjects be
Saucy, Contemptuous of his Dignity.
He, King in Sine Cure, did ne'er Command,
The Manage of his large extending Land.
So slighted for his Weakness, they desir'd
A Change, and a new King of Jove requir'd,
13
And shew himself an active worthy Head.
Whether by Fates Decree, or from their Pray'r,
Their King is Dead, and they have made an Heir,
Him to Succeed, which like the Crane may prove
Rav'nous, Destructive, wheresoe'er he move:
The Callow Bird, weak and not Fledg'd by Age,
As yet, himself expresses little Rage;
But has to Grandsire Crane given the Pow'r
To Rule at Will; to Save, or to Devour:
And fam'd throughout the World, his temper's known,
Cruel to Strangers, Barb'rous to his Own.
Their King is Dead, and they have made an Heir,
Him to Succeed, which like the Crane may prove
Rav'nous, Destructive, wheresoe'er he move:
The Callow Bird, weak and not Fledg'd by Age,
As yet, himself expresses little Rage;
But has to Grandsire Crane given the Pow'r
To Rule at Will; to Save, or to Devour:
And fam'd throughout the World, his temper's known,
Cruel to Strangers, Barb'rous to his Own.
| Aesop at Paris | |