University of Virginia Library


21

FAB. VIII. An Owl and the Sun.

A saucy Buffle-headed Owl,
One morning on the Sun fell foul,
Because it made him Blind:
But by his Sophistry you'l guess,
Him not of the Athenian Race,
But a more modern kind.
The Morn was Fragrant, Cool, and Bright,
The Sun Illustrious with his Light,
Dispencing warmth to all:
Madge on a Pinacle was got,
Sputtring and Hooting like a Sot
And thus began the brawl.
D'e hear, you Prince of Red-fac'd Fools!
Hot headed Puppy! foe to Owls!
Why this offensive blaze?
Behind some Cloud go sneak aside,
Your Carbuncles and Rubies hide,
And quench that Flaming face.
When I'm a taking the fresh Air,
Whip in my Eyes you come full glare,
And so much Rudeness show!

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I Wonder when the modest Moon,
Wou'd serve an Owl as you have done,
Or tan, and burn One so.
Bright Phœbus Smil'd at what was said,
And cry'd, 'tis well, Sir Logger-head,
You've neither sense nor Shame!
Because a blinking Fool can't bear,
An object so Transcending Fair,
The Sun must take the blame.
Shall I the Universe benight,
And rob the injur'd World of Light,
Because you Rail and Scowl:
When Birds of the most abject Sort,
Deride and grin you for their Sport,
And treat you like an Owl.

The MORAL.

Who libel Senates, and traduce the Great,
Measure the Publick Good by Private Hate:
Intrest's their Rule of Love; fierce to oppose,
All whom Superiour Virtue makes their Foes.
Thy Merits, Rochester, thus give offence,
The guilty Faction hates discerning Sense:
This Harly, Seymor, How, and Mackworth find,
Great Eye-sores to the loud Rapacious Kind;
But whilst in holes addressing Owls repine,
Bright as the Sun their Patriot Names will Shine.