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677

The western borders were with crimson spread,
The moon, descending, look'd all flaming red;
She thought good manners bound her to invite
The stranger dame to be her guest that night.
'Tis true, coarse diet, and a short repast,
(She said,) were weak inducements to the taste
Of one so nicely bred, and so unus'd to fast ;
But what plain fare her cottage could afford,
(A hearty welcome, at a homely board,)
Was freely her's; and, to supply the rest,
An honest meaning, and an open breast:
Last, with content of mind, the poor man's
's wealth,
A grace-cup to their common patron's health.
This, she desir'd her to accept, and stay,
For fear she might be wilder'd in her way;
Because she wanted an unerring guide:
And, then, the dew-drops on her silken hide,
Her tender constitution did declare,
Too lady-like a long fatigue to bear,
And rough inclemencies of raw nocturnal air:
But most she fear'd, that, travelling so late,
Some evil-minded beasts might lie in wait, 689
And, without witness, wreak their hidden hate.
The Panther, though she lent a list'ning ear,
Had more of lion in her than to fear;
Yet, wisely weighing, since she had to deal
With many foes, their numbers might prevail,
Return'd her all the thanks she could afford;
And took her friendly hostess at her word:

Who (entering first her lowly roof, a shed 697
With hoary moss, and winding ivy spread,
Honest enough to hide an humble hermit's head,)
Thus graciously bespoke her welcome guest:
So might these walls, with your fair presence blest,
Become your dwelling-place of everlasting rest;
Not for a night, or quick revolving year—
Welcome an owner-not a sojourner.
This peaceful seat my poverty secures ;
(War seldom enters but where wealth allures :)
Nor yet despise it; for this poor abode
Has oft receiv'd, and yet receives a god:
A god victorious, of a Stygian race,

Here laid his sacred limbs, and sanctified the place."
This mean retreat did mighty Pan contain. 711
Be emulous of him, and pomp disdain,
And dare not to debase your soul to gain.

The silent stranger stood amaz'd to see
Contempt of wealth, and wilful poverty;
And, though ill habits are not soon control'd,
A while suspended her desire of gold :
But civilly drew in her sharpen'd paws,
Not violating hospitable laws;

And pacify'd her tail, and lick'd her frothy jaws.

The Hind did, first, her country-cates provide, Then couch'd herself, securely, by her side. 722

End of Part II.

END OF VOLUME 11.

CONTENTS.

BRITANNIA Rediviva-A Poem on the

Prince-Born June 10, 1688 -

Page

Threnodia Augustalis-a Funeral Pindaric
Poem-to the Memory of Charles II.

Heroic Stanzas on the Death of Cromwell -

36

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ODL

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