Oppian's Halieuticks Part I: Of The Nature Of Fishes: In Two Books: Book Two Poem by William Diaper

Oppian's Halieuticks Part I: Of The Nature Of Fishes: In Two Books: Book Two



Thus have I sung, how scaly Nations rove,
What Food they seek, what Pastures they approve;
How all the busy Wantons of the Seas
Soft Loves repeat, and form the new Increase.


But whence could Man the wond'rous Secret know?
To some kind Pow'r he must the Blessing owe,
Who to his View the hidden Depths expos'd,
Uncover'd all th' Abyss, and the vast Scene disclos'd.
For what great Work has Man unaided wrought?
Heav'n gives the Means, and Heav'n inspires the Thought.
Did not assisting Influence from above
With unseen Force the passive Agents move,
The Body could no more it's Parts command,
Nor Stir the rooted Foot, nor stretch the stiffen'd Hand.
Without superiour Aid, the sleeping Eyes
Would darken'd ever close, nor blithsome Skies
Again behold; but when the Guardian bids,
Joyous the Orbs unfold their op'ning Lids.
The Gods do all; from Heav'n our Actions guide
Distant yet Near, and o'er our Wills preside.
We must the grand Necessity obey,
Unwilling shall pursue the destin'd Way.
Better we unreluctant did submit:
Th' unruly Colt may champ the frothy Bit,
Restiff uprear the Hoof, and prance around,
Race angry o'er th' unequal ridgy Ground:
Such headstrong Fury but augments his Pain,
At length he must obey the turning Rein.
When Heav'n commands, 'tis Folly to deny;
The Gods will govern, and the Wise comply,
Nor strive to deviate from th' allotted Course,
Lest manag'd after with ungentle Force
They hear the sounding Lash, and bleeding feel
Th' unjoyous Pressure of the galling Steel.


To those indulgent Pow'rs Mankind below
All gainful Arts, and useful Science owe.
The Gods, distinguisht hence by awful Names,
Declare their Office, and assert their Claims.
And thus deriv'd each sacred Title shows
What Gifts on Man each bounteous God bestows.
Ceres describ'd the Farmer's annual Toil,
What artful Rules improve the barren Soil.
She taught to yoke th' unwilling Ox, to sow
The harrow'd Ridge, to hold the bending Plough;
To guide the brighten'd Share with steady Hands,
Force up the Turf, and break the fallow'd Lands.
Hence rising Fields their yellow Harvest bear,
And wavy Autumn crowns the ripen'd Year.
To shape the Beam, the Joyces firmly joyn,
Stretch the wide Roof, and the slop'd Arch incline,
To carve the Pillar, and the Dome to raise
Pallas first taught, and Pallas claims the Praise.
She too the gainful Secret did reveal,
To draw the Woof, and twirl the murm'ring Wheel.
Men curious try'd, by her Assistance led,
To fix the Loom, and weave the thwarting Thread.
The pointed Spear, the Breast-plate's polisht Brass,
The glitt'ring Sword, and Helmet's plumed Grace,
With all the dreadful Engin'ry of War,
Are Mars his Choice, and fierce Bellona's Care.
Apollo, and the sacred Nine inspire
Strains worthy them, and fan the Poet's Fire.
But subtle Hermes smooths the oily Tongue
To move the Passions of the ravish'd Throng.
He taught Athletic Slights, and dusty Toil,
To ward the Blow, and give th' inglorious Foil.
Vulcan first taught to mould the stubborn Mass,
To form the sparkling Steel, and flowing Brass.


Mankind with all their Search could never know
What Natives glide in Liquid Worlds below.
Those mirksome Deeps, and Regions far conceal'd
That blest immortal Pow'r to Man reveal'd,
Who cleft the Earth, and winding Furrows made,
Where Rivers glide beneath the reedy Shade;
Who distant Bounds to rolling Waves assign'd,
And scatter'd Fluids in one Void confin'd,
Who lofty rais'd the rocky Barriers round,
And with the sandy Brim encircled Waters crown'd.
Whether that God the Name of Neptune bears,
Or Nereus better pleas'd, or Phorcys hears.
Whatever Names the Deities approve,
May all agree, Immortal Pow'rs above,
Demons of Earth, Those that Aerial fly,
And drench their Pinions in the liquid Sky,
And the Green-Gods, that midst the Waters spread
Their sinewy Arms, and shake their dropping Head,
May all propitious guard the Royal Pair,
Thee, Mighty Prince, and the World's growing Heir.
May they protect the Nations, nor refuse
To hear the Song, and aid th' aspiring Muse.


No curbing Law restrains the greedy Shoals,
No Sense of Wrong th' ungovern'd Wish controlls.
O'er all the Seas their Food they rav'nous seek,
And stronger Kinds feast on the injur'd weak.
Selfish alike each minds his private Good,
All in their Turns pursue, and are pursu'd.
Some on meer Force depend; they nimble sweep
Thro' parting Floods, and eddy all the Deep.
Their wider Jaws a Magazine disclose
Of pointed Teeth, that shine in double Rows.
While some on Stores of venom'd Juice confide,
And in close Cells the noxious Treasures hide.
Others with sharpen'd Spikes are arm'd around,
Erect the Spears, and strike the killing Wound.
Weak puny Forms unequal War decline,
By wily Fraud they act, and close Design.
Such Prudence oft o'er thoughtless Strength prevails;
Force may, but well laid Cunning seldome fails.


The Pow'r of latent Charms the Cramp-Fish know,
Tho' soft their Bodies, and their Motion slow.
Unseen, foreboding Chance of future Prey,
The crafty Sluggards take their silent Way.
Stretcht from each Side they point their magick Wands,
Whose icy Touch the strongest Fin commands;
Quick thro' the whole it shoots the rushing Pain,
Freezes the Blood, and thrills in ev'ry Vein;
Strikes all that dare approach with strange Surprize,
Stiffens the Fin, and dims the mazed Eyes.
Conscious of secret Pow'r, a Gift divine,
On Sands, as dead, the Cramp-Fish lies supine,
Thus careless stretcht a wide Destruction makes,
And wand'ring Shoals without her Labour takes.
Fixt sudden they the numming Torpor feel;
The Parts contract, the Fluids all congeal.
No more the busy Messengers of Sense
Motion around, and conscious Life dispense;
Nor flowing Streams the circling Heat diffuse,
But the chill'd parts forget their former Use.
While urg'd by pleasing Hopes, to fresh Repast
The wily Cramp-Fish moves with aukward Hast.
Oft, as the nimble Swimmers heedless pride
In active Course, and curling Streams divide,
They lifeless stretch by sudden Pains confin'd,
And secret Chains the fetter'd Captives bind.
No more they wanton dive, or giddy roam,
Vault on the Seas, and vex the rising Foam;
Dull Rest they now, and fatal Slumbers love,
Nor backward can retreat, nor forward move.


As when in Dreams imagin'd Forms appear,
When dreaded Sounds we distant seem to hear,
Or shady Ghosts with silent Horrour rise,
And Spectres glare before the sleeping Eyes,
Fearful of coming Ills we sweating lie,
And willing would from fancy'd Dangers fly:
Rooted we stand, the Heart incessant beats,
And hasty Strokes the quicker Pulse repeats.
Lab'ring to move we seem to strive in vain,
While pond'rous Clogs the struggling Feet retain.


With such a binding Force the Cramp-Fish stays
The swiftest Fish, and strikes with dizzy Maze.
One Touch of her's dams up the vital Flood,
Contracts the Nerves, and clots the stagnate Blood.


Hid in the Slime the Toad of Form uncouth
(That Fish is all one vast extended Mouth)
Her tender Body wraps, on Prey intent,
And silent there concerts the great Event.
What softer Skin, and slower Pace deny,
Wise Foresight and successful Frauds supply.
Within her Jaws a fleshy Fibre lies,
Whose Whiteness, grateful Scent, and Worm-like Size
Attract the Shoals, and charm their longing Eyes.
She to allure oft shakes the tempting Bait;
They eager press, and hurry on their Fate.
But as they near approach, with subtle Art
The wily Toad contracts th' inviting Part;
Till giddy Numbers thus decoy'd she draws
Within the Circle of her widen'd Jaws.


The Fowler thus the feather'd Race deceives,
And strows beneath his Snare the rifled Sheaves.
The busy Flocks peck up the scatter'd Seed,
Nor midst their Joy the fatal Engine heed;
Till with loud Clap the tilted Cover falls,
And the close Pit the flutt'ring Prey enthralls.


Sea-Toads with Foxes may for Cunning vie,
These too (as Rusticks tell) will feign to die.
Stretcht at full Length the mimick Carcass lies,
The Teeth are set, and fixt the closing Eyes;
The Hypocrite low draws his silent Breath,
Expressing well the leaden Sleep of Death.
Perch'd on her Bough the wanton Chirper mocks
The quiet harmless Posture of the Fox.
To distant Flocks she sings the pleasing Tale;
All glad descend, and hover o'er the Vale,
Oft whet the Bill, oft turn the busy Head,
And with vain Pride insult the seeming dead.
He watches, as they move, with guilty Eyes,
Till nimble Jaws the vent'rous Bird surprize.
His rav'nous Teeth the little Songster tear;
Ah luckless Wretch! thy Death is too sincere.
Wide gapes her Breast, he sucks the reeking Wound,
While downy Flakes lie scatter'd on the Ground.


Parts aptly form'd preserve the Cuttle-Fish
From stormy Rage, and Hunger's pining Wish;
Long Fibres num'rous branch around his Head,
Like twisted Hairs, or Lines of fine-spun Thread.
With these the subtle Angler patient waits,
The Prey entangles, and her Hunger fates.
With these, when Tempests rage, they twining fold
The jetting Cliff, nor quit the safer Hold.
No Ship in Harbour moor'd so careless rides,
Less fears the driving Storms, and beating Tides.


The little Prawn, tho' arm'd with pointed Spears,
Yet weak and slow, unequal Combat fears.
But by the Sea-Wolf's rav'nous Force opprest,
He with the Means of sweet Revenge is blest.
Within his Jaws enclos'd he furious bounds,
Strikes at the Roof, and leaves the killing Wounds.
The careless Wolf of tastful Prey possest
Regards no Pain, but gluttons on the Feast.
Till soon thro' all the deadly Gangrene spreads,
And putrid Bane the fretting Ulcer feeds.
From rankled Sores the gnawing Pains increase;
And now the Wretch his destin'd End foresees,
Despairing pines, and racking Torture feels:
No friendly Hand the growing Ulcer heals.
Oft has the Wolf the bearded Squadrons sought,
And oft the luscious Food too dearly bought.
No Pity to the shelly Race was shown,
'Twas therefore just their Fate should prove his own.
They wound with Pain, what they with Pleasure fill,
Subdue their Conquerour, and dying kill.


Enwrapt in softer Slime the Sea-Cow dwells,
Who ev'ry Sea-bred Kind in Breadth excells.
To twice six Cubits stretcht their flatted Sides
Press down the lab'ring Waves, and smooth the Tides.
Unarm'd their Body, tho' with monstrous Size
And bulky Form they strike the wond'ring Eyes.
Born on the struggling Floods that broad-back'd Ray
Unwieldy lolls, and takes up all the Way.
Few are their Teeth, unfit for martial Toil,
Thin set, nor made to seize the doubtful Spoil.
But Schemes well-laid they resolute pursue,
And by superior Fraud ev'n Man subdue.
Man is their choicest Food, and when possest
Of a fat Corps, they scorn the meaner Feast.
They mark, when daring Mortals plunge below,
Where Pearls are hid, and Coral Branches grow;
Then hover o'er the Place, and float at ease,
Stretch on the Waves, and shade the cover'd Seas.
With patient Hope unmov'd their Station keep,
Till from the secret Chambers of the Deep
Laden with Spoils the Diver mounts again,
Nor can the Surface reach with all his Pain.
By wonted Arts he strives himself to raise,
But o'er his Head th' unwelcome Pressure stays.
Poiz'd on the Floods the Cieling hangs above,
No human Force the vaulted Roof can move.
Kept back from look'd-for Day the Mortal grieves,
In vain the pressing Lid his Shoulder heaves;
His weaker Trust the stubborn Weight withstands,
And backward sinks him down to lowest Sands.
If he swims forward, and the Surface leaves,
The subtle Fish the vain Attempt perceives;
Still hangs aloof, and o'er his pensive Head
The Shades unwish'd their gloomy Covert spread.
Till weary'd Arms their toilsome Work refuse,
But faintly strike, and catch the yielding Ooze.


As when the falling Lid with quick Surprize
Close in the Trap confines th' unwary Mice,
Immur'd they search the concave Prison round,
Hurry despairing, and impatient bound;
As well they might the fruitless Labour cease,
No friendly Gap affords a kind Release;
Till wanton Boys the trembling Wretch relieve,
Free from Confinement, but of Life bereave.


Such is the Toil, when vent'rous Divers meet
The floating Roof, and push the pressing Weight.
Stretcht on the wat'ry Plain unmov'd it lies,
And open Air, and lightsome Day denies:
Till swallow'd Waves an easy Passage find,
And in it's latest Breath Life mingles with the Wind.
Thus proud of her Success the spreading Ray
By Stratagem obtains the noblest Prey.


As in some mossy Cave the Fishing Swain
At Leisure sits, and views the wavy Main,
Oft he beholds how Crabs their Watches keep,
And wait the Motions of the shelly Heap.
Oysters around on cliffy Peaks are hung,
To rocky Beds, and cranny'd Jettings clung.
Immur'd they lie close in the pearly Shell,
But cannot long their juicy Stores conceal;
Moisture they seek, and then no longer hid
Loosen'd they gape, and heave the upper Lid.
The Crab observes, and to the sandy Mounds,
Where polish'd Stones the whirling Eddy rounds,
He busy creeps along, with forked Claws
From the loose Heap the flinty Pebble draws.
Thus burden'd, silent to the Oyster steals,
And wedges fast the Stone between the Shells.
Divided thus no more the Parts are clos'd,
But all the luscious Sweets must lie expos'd.
By prosp'rous Fraud he gains the envy'd Meal,
And drags the panting Captive from his Cell.


The prickly Star creeps on with like Deceit,
To force the Oyster from his close Retreat.
When gaping Lids their widen'd Void display,
The watchful Star thrusts in a pointed Ray,
Of all its Treasure spoils the rifled Case;
And empty Shells the sandy Hillocks grace.


In clouded Depths below the Nacre hides,
And thro' the silent Paths obscurely glides;
A stupid Wretch, and void of thoughtful Care,
He forms no Bait, nor lays the tempting Snare.
But the dull Sluggard boasts a kinder Friend,
Whose busy Eyes the coming Prey attend.
One Room contains them; and the Partners dwell
Beneath the Convex of one sloping Shell.
Deep in the wat'ry Vast the Comrades rove,
And mutual Int'rest binds their constant Love.
That wiser Friend the lucky Juncture tells,
When in the Circuit of his gaping Shells
Fish wand'ring enter; then the bearded Guide
Warns the dull Mate, and pricks his tender Side.
He knows the Hint, nor at the Treatment grieves,
But hugs th' Advantage, and the Pain forgives.
His closing Shells the Nacre sudden joyns.
And 'twixt the pressing Sides his Prey confines.
Thus fed by mutual Aid, the friendly Pair
Divide their Gains, and all the Plunder share.


Men are not all with equal Knowledge blest;
Man differs more from Man, than Man from Beast.
The prudent Mind by studious Labour taught
Wise Schemes pursues, and fines the ruder Draught.
While blockish Mortals doze their Hours away,
Or give to brutal Joys the cheated Day.
Like them the gliding Shoals, that gladsome rove
O'er liquid Fields, and Sea-green Pastures love,
Are not with equal Shares of Wit endow'd;
Heav'n has unlike the partial Gift bestow'd.
Some on the Cares of future Life intent
Consult their Welfare, and their Ills prevent;
While worthless Numbers take their giddy Way,
Cumber the Seas, and only serve for Prey.


Hear now th' instructive Song, ye thoughtless Wights,
Wedded to Sense, and fixt on mean Delights.
The Sea's dull Sleeper bids, that shortliv'd Fish,
In Time to curb your yet unbounded Wish.
Think on his Conduct, and remark his Fate,
And in th' insatiate Fish the Glutton hate.
In sensual Joys he squanders Life away,
Revels the Night, and slumbers out the Day.
Fixt backward on his Head the rolling Eyes
Look up, and might behold the distant Skies;
But the curst Sluggard flies the chearful Ray,
And in long Slumbers skreens the hated Day.
Midst these his Mouth it's spacious Chasm displays,
And the lewd Call of Hunger's Wish obeys.
All the bright gladsome Hours he sullen Sleeps,
Battens on Sands, or hides in slimy Heaps;
Hence call'd the Ocean-Owl, like Owls afraid
Of brighten'd Skies, and fond of gloomy Shade.
When the brown Dusk on slumb'ring Waters broods,
And midnight Breezes rock the murm'ring Floods,
When darken'd Billows sound with deeper Roar,
Rouz'd from Repose he quits the weedy Shore:
Hunger's loud Call bids wake from slothful Ease,
And search th' unempty'd Stores of plenteous Seas.
But the lewd Wretch of ready Meals possest
Unsated gluts, when full begins the Feast,
Feeds on, in midst of Plenty most accurst,
Till the cram'd Paunch o'er-fill'd with Pressure burst.
O'er-charg'd with Food the pamper'd Glutton lies,
Motion and Strength th' unwieldy Load denies;
Till Death's last Pains to fatal Treats succeed,
And hov'ring Shades the darken'd Eyes o'er-spread.
If with kind Hand you give the Glutton Meat,
He rav'nous feeds, and will unweary'd eat,
Till his swoln Maw with useless Lumber stow'd
Bursting at length discharge the nauseous Load.


Like him luxurious Men their Vigour wast,
The Throat to tickle, and indulge the Tast.
But future Pain the lawless Joy begets,
A Train of Ills succeeds the transient Sweets.
While ill-tim'd Feasts and midnight Revels please,
Continu'd Meals improve the hid Disease,
To Poyson turn the undigested Food,
And treasure up their Ills in tainted Blood.
From cruder Meats unactive Vapours rise,
The Spirits clog, and cloud the languid Eyes.
Ridges of Fat the manly Form disgrace,
And bloated Veins enlarge the purpled Face.
Reason's weak Light from noisome Fumes retires,
And too much Fewel choaks the smother'd Fires.
Men too unwise let go the slacken'd Rein,
But they who think will lewd Desires restrain,
Check the Emotion, and the Wish control,
And shun the Fate of the luxurious Owl.


Foresight and Art the prickly Urchins boast,
To keep the Seas, and shun the rocky Coast.
When teeming Clouds the infant Tempest form,
And whisp'ring Winds concert the future Storm,
They careful fear, lest forc'd to distant Lands
They dash on Rocks, or bulge on rising Sands.
Too light themselves their Motions to control
When the tenth Billows o'er their Fellows roll,
They Ballast seek, with busy Eyes explore
The various Pebbles of the winding Shore,
Choose out the Stone, and with that steady Weight
Fixt on their Backs, the raging Waters meet.
Thus poiz'd they careless keep their destin'd Way,
Nor the rude Shock of thwarting Floods obey.


All Fishers know the changing Prekes Deceit
How clung to Rocks, when coming Dangers threat,
New Forms they take, and wear a borrow'd Dress,
Mock the true Stone, and Colours well express.
Now o'er their liken'd Parts the Limners spread
A mossy Green, or streak with dusky Red;
On their soft Skin now whitish Marl imprint,
Or raise the clouded Azure of the Flint:
As the Rock looks, they take a diff'rent Stain,
Dapple with Grey, or branch the livid Vein.
Nor scaly Foes, nor Fishers curious Eyes
Perceive the Cheat, or find the false Disguise.
Thus they conceal'd the dreaded Danger shun,
By borrow'd Shapes obscur'd, and lost in seeming Stone.
But when with near Approach the weaker Prey
Invites, her waning Colours all decay;
No Vizard then, or mimick Form they seek;
Vig'rous they quit the Rock, and own the real Preke.


When wint'ry Skies o'er the black Ocean frown,
And Clouds hang low with ripen'd Storms o'ergrown,
Close in the Shelter of some vaulted Cave
The soft-skin'd Prekes their porous Bodies save.
But forc'd by Want, while rougher Seas they dread,
On their own Feet necessitous are fed.
But when returning Spring serenes the Skies,
Nature the growing Parts anew supplies.
Again on breezy Sands the Roamers creep,
Twine to the Rocks, or paddle in the Deep.
Doubtless the God, whose Will commands the Seas,
Whom liquid Worlds, and wat'ry Natives please,
Had taught the Fish by tedious Wants opprest
Life to preserve, and be himself the Feast.


Thus, when the Clouds their snowy Burden drop,
And rising Heaps improve the Mountain's Top,
When Earth scarce feels the Sun's obliquer Beams,
And creeping Ice confines the lessen'd Streams,
The rough-clad Bear declines the rig'rous Day,
Hides in his Den, nor hunts abroad for Prey:
Sullen he lays him down, with busy Toil
Licks his large Feet, and sucks the fat'ning Oil.
Thus fed with poor Repast the Savage lives,
Till with fresh Sap the wither'd Plant revives,
Till lengthen'd Days the Bands of Winter loose,
And Warmth untwists the Threads of soften'd Snows.
Then he to Woods returns, with tender Feet
Roams thro' the Brakes, and seeks the wonted Treat;
Slain Beasts devours, or climbs the rifted Tree,
And steals the Labours of the painful Bee.


In Wars alternate, with embitter'd Rage,
The Lobster, Lamprey, and the Preke engage.
Mutual their Fate, reciprocal the Wound;
By Turns they kill, and scatter Deaths around.
Each to the other is a grateful Feast,
Successively they treat th' unwelcome Guest.
Antipathy's entail'd; the future Breed
Must to hereditary Hate succeed.


While sportive Breezes fan the gentler Wave,
From the moist Crannies, or the winding Cave
Roaming abroad for Prey, the Lamprey sees
Where sandy Walks the lazy Creeper please.
Rapt with glad Hopes she feeds her wistful Eyes,
And all her Strength the finless Glider tries.
Conscious the Preke the curling Eddy fears,
Now from the rising Beach he list'ning hears
The rolling Floods, now shudd'ring looks around,
When troubled Waves with nearer Murmurs sound.
The joyful Lamprey winds along the Flood,
And in glad Thought enjoys the coming Food:
Bounding she mounts all eager on the Chace;
Nor can the crawling Preke's too heavy Pace
Escape her Rage; He must unwilling try
War's doubtful Chance, and with hard Doom comply.
Born on high Waves the slipp'ry Foe commands
The nearer Shore, and darts on yielding Sands.
No Time to fly, no Hopes of coming Aid,
While murd'rous Teeth his tender Flesh invade.
Forc'd to the Fight, the Preke despairing strives,
All Postures shows, and various Schemes contrives.
Now on her Back his twining Tendrills play,
Now grasp her Sides, or force their heedless Way
Down her wide Throat, now round her Tail they fold,
To force her back, and break the fasten'd hold.
All Parts in vain are try'd; her slipp'ry Train
Eludes his Touch, and mocks the fruitless Pain.


So when contending Wrestlers twine around
In close Embrace, and beat the trampled Ground,
Now wreath their oily Limbs, now firmly stand,
And grasp the adverse Arm with dusty Hand;
Their cautious Feet incessant tread the Round,
Meet in rude Shock, and undistinguish'd sound;
With various Shifts each others Skill perplex,
While Sweat in briny Streams flows down the Cheeks.


Like them the Preke his supple Members plies,
But less indulgent Fate Success denies.
Piteous the Scene, when mangled Parts employ
Remorseless Teeth, and give the cruel Joy.
Along the Sands the panting Pieces reek,
And ev'n in Death a Shelter seem to seek.


So when the Stag breaths on the guilty Heaps,
Where hid from Cold the wily Serpent sleeps,
That wond'rous Spell will rouze the crested Snake,
Forc'd from the Covert of the inmost Brake.
Angry he comes, high on his Folds uprears
His speckled Form, and hides his secret Fears.
Resolv'd the Stag his fixt Design pursues,
Gripes fast the Wretch, and gives the killing Bruise.
The Snake impatient winds his twisted Train,
And knotted Wreaths express the wringing Pain.
Now round the Stag's branch'd Horns he curling twines,
Now on his Neck the glossy Circle shines.
The Stag unmov'd the restless Struggler tears,
While greenish Stain the drooping Flow'ret smears.
Scatter'd around the mangled Gobbets fall,
And wriggling o'er the blasted Herbage crawl.


Nor can the Preke by usual Arts escape,
And hide in borrow'd Forms the Fishy Shape.
All are besides deceiv'd; to her alone
Whom most he dreads his Artifice is known;
Her curious Thought the mimick Secret learns,
And painted Show from real Stone discerns.
With scornful Smile the Lamprey seems to speak,
And thus insults the Colour-changing Preke.


'Vain Trifler, can you hope by false Disguise
'T' elude my Wish, and cheat observing Eyes?
'Since you so well express the rocky Hue,
'If you'd be safer, take its Hardness too.
'By potent Charms the cleaving Stone divide,
'Enter within and there securely hide;
'Or let the Rock it's craggy Summit bend,
'Incline the Roof, and skreen the liken'd Friend.
'But since in changing Forms you vainly pride,
'Learn Wretch in meaner Cunning to confide.


Thus said, her spiral Circles on she bears,
And from the Rock the Preke relentless tears.
He, tho' no more his wonted Frauds deceive,
Hangs to the Cliff, nor will the Jetting leave.
When other Parts are lost, the branching Feet
Maintain their Hold, and grasp the rocky Seat.


So when sack'd Towns to hostile Fury yield,
And mournful Streets with slaughter'd Heaps are fill'd,
The raving Mother strains with close Embrace
Her darling Babe, and hides his little Face:
The Parent's Neck his clinging Arms enfold;
Fear gives him Strength, and knits the firmer Hold.
Nor can the Plund'rers Rage with impious Hands
Divide the Pair, and loose their mutual Bands.
The Dame, midst the wild Transports of Despair,
Still clasps her weeping Babe, and minds her latest Care.


With Conquest flush'd new Wars the Lamprey breaths,
In prouder State her silver Volumes wreaths:
But urg'd by partial Hopes, and vain Conceit,
In her last Duel will the Lobster meet.
The well-arm'd Lobster clad in dusky Mail,
Nor fears her pointed Teeth, nor winding Tail.
Close by the Cave, where in the silent Shade
The feasted Lamprey sinks her easy Head,
He shakes his bearded Front, with Scorn extends
His wrinkled Horns, and thus the Challenge sends.


As, when two adverse Hosts encamp'd delay
The destin'd Fight, and wait the coming Day,
Impatient of Repose, some bolder Chief
Regrets lost Time, and feeds his inward Grief,
Braces his Cuirass on, and grasps his Arms;
Thus dreadful pleases, and with Terrour charms:
Erect he walks, and waves his plumed Crest,
To Action calls, and blames inglorious Rest.
With taunting Language, and disdainful Eyes
The boldest Champion to the Plain defies.
While adverse Troops the haughty Menace hear,
Nor will the hostile Youth such Insult bear;
With Shame he reddens, and with Anger burns,
Accepts the Challenge, and the Scorn returns.


So from her inmost Cave, with proud Disdain,
The soft Sea-Lamprey spreads her wavy Train:
Enrag'd she comes, darts sudden from her Cell,
Seizes the Foe, and fixes on the Shell.
But vainly weary'd with successless Toil
From the hard Crust the baffled Teeth recoil.
No Entrance there the blunted Weapons find,
No Pressure leaves th' indented Mark behind.
At length provok'd the bearded Lobster ends
Unequal Strife, his forked Claw extends,
Pinches with rigid Force her yielding Sides,
Drives back the Blood, and all the Mass divides.
The Parts all bruis'd in racking Torture swell,
And languid Spots declining Vigour tell.
By cruel Gripe the passive Wretch comprest
Twines up her Tail, and rears her shining Breast.
No Rest the Lobster gives, nor quits his hold;
In vain her spiry Wreaths their Circles fold.
Restless she moves, nor can her Pains conceal,
Clings to her Foe, and hugs the pointed Shell.
The piercing Lancets prick each tender Vein,
And purple Drops her beauteous Yellow stain:
She vainly striving but augments her Pain.
O'er his rough Back she twists the fatal Round,
Tears her soft Skin, and gives her self the Wound.


As when the captive Pard to bloody Sights,
And barb'rous Sports the gazing Throng invites,
The Champion, who the gawdy Sylvan dares,
First by rude Din the sullen Beast prepares.
Grimly he looks, and with malicious Leer
Grins at the Crowd, and mocks the shining Spear.
His unsheath'd Paws their pointed Fangs expose,
And wrinkled Lips exert their dreadful Rows.
Foolish he gapes, and with wide Mouth expects
As the bold Youth his well-aim'd Blow directs.
While grinning Jaws their open Void display,
Down the flung Spear takes swift it's destin'd Way.
The yawning Beast a ready Passage gives,
And sheath'd within his Throat the whizzing Steel receives.


Th' imprudent Lamprey, urg'd by fierce Despite,
Thus aids the Foe, and tries the fruitless Bite.
While shelly Crusts the dusky Chief befriend,
And from rude Touch the tender Parts defend.
Madded with Pain, and crush'd by meeting Claws,
On the firm Plate the fond Sea-Lamprey gnaws:
Nor fears the rising Spikes that closely set
O'er the hard Shell their pointed Terrours threat:
But twines her Body round the sharpen'd Rows,
And the deep mortal Wounds to heedless Passion owes.


Such is the Combat, when in lone Retreats
Of silent Woods the crested Serpent meets
The Urchin's secret Track: by Nature they
The fierce Impulse of mutual Hate obey.
Approaching War the Urchin soon perceives,
And hears the distant Rustle of the Leaves.
Close in her own Embrace she shelter'd hides,
Contracts her Feet, and rounds her prickly Sides:
From ev'ry Part the thorny Bristles rise;
And thus enwrapt, unmov'd the Urchin lies.
The rushing Serpent frights the Insect Race,
Shakes the low Boughs, and bends the spiry Grass;
Scornful he seizes midst the platted Brakes
The rounding Ball, and furious Onset makes;
With angry Jaws th' ungrateful Morsel chews,
While the safe Urchin mocks his weaker Bruise.
Enrag'd the Foe exerts his utmost Strength,
Draws in his Train, and twines his shorten'd Length.
Resolv'd he curls, and with a rough Embrace
Squeezes the Ball, and binds the prickly Case.
While oft the Urchin turns, and rolling gives
Unnumber'd Wounds; the tortur'd Serpent grieves.
Lost in his glossy Slough, and speckled Side,
Their sharpen'd Tops the piercing Needles hide.
Black venom'd Gore drops from the frothing Wound,
Hangs on the drooping Herb, and stains the blasted Ground.
Racking the Pain, but firm the Serpent holds,
And hides the Urchin in his mazy Folds.
Nor, fasten'd thus, could he uncurl again
His twisted Spires, or stretch his lengthen'd Train,
Gaunch'd on the Tenters of the prickly Beast;
Till dying both are from their Pains releast.
But oft the Urchin, by the Serpent bruis'd,
Escapes with Hurt, and from the Prison loos'd
Creeps weaken'd o'er the Bank with sickly Pace,
And his sore Limbs enwraps in ranker Grass:
While fleshy Trophies on his Sides are born,
And all his prickly Back the gawdy Spoils adorn.


Like is th' Event of the unkind Embrace,
When the Sea-Lamprey hugs the shelly Case;
Wounds to her self by thoughtless Rage she gives,
She dies; and none the wilful Murder grieves.


But tho' firm Mail the vig'rous Lobster shields,
Yet to the slow the tender Preke he yields.
Beneath the Rock, where eating Eddies round
The shelving Cave, and plain in murm'ring Sound,
As void of Care the bearded Lobster lies,
The crawling Preke hasts to the destin'd Prize.
Behind with wary Steps he softly creeps,
And on the sounding Armour sudden leaps;
Spreads all his knotty Arms; they close entwin'd
The dusky Shell with painful Pressure bind,
With stubborn Squeeze the tortur'd Parts constrain,
And with firm Braces fix the rounding Chain.
His straighten'd Jaws the throttling Ties compress,
Dam up the Way, and make the Channel less.
His Mouth chok'd up no flitting Blast receives,
Nor to the airy Stream the wonted Passage gives.
Life's Vehicle deny'd, the Lobster dies,
And dizzy Shades enwrap his horny Eyes.
For Fishes too must yield to chilling Death,
When ought shall stop the constant Flux of Breath.
They too like Earth-bred Animals respire;
Alternate Gusts maintain the vital Fire.


But long, e're spent with Toil, the Lobster strives,
Now vig'rous shoots away, or sudden dives,
Plies his broad Tail, and cuts the rolling Flood,
Oft heaves his Back, and shakes the pressing Load;
Now weary'd stays, and weaker Efforts tries,
Now pants despairing, and now bursting dies.
The Preke unmov'd will ne'er his Station quit,
Nor pressing Arms their close Embrace remit.
When stretch'd on Sands the Lobster breathless lies,
Then soon his folded Chains the Preke unties.
And, like the busy Infant at the Breast,
Sucks from the shelly Pipes the luscious Feast.


As the curst Wretch, in hardy Mischief prov'd,
Untouch'd with Pity, and with Guilt unmov'd,
Hid in the narrow Turn of winding Streets,
From late Debauch the gay Companion meets:
He jocund stumbles on, nor ought designs,
Doz'd with the circling Pledge of unmixt Wines:
Unweening future Doom he reels along,
In fault'ring Accents hums a broken Song;
Fumes cloud the Brain, and sink the nodding Head,
And doubtful Feet in mazy Figures tread.
When sudden starting from his guilty Shades,
The Thief behind with hardy Grasp invades,
Back pulls him down, and gives the gushing Wound;
He groaning falls, and dying bites the Ground.
With Hast the Villain, fearful of Delay,
Strips the warm Dead, and bears the Spoils away.


Thus when the Lobster, lull'd by murm'ring Seas,
Clings to the Rock reclin'd in thoughtless Ease,
Unseen the wily Preke impetuous springs,
And all his branching Arms around the Captive flings.


These, of all Kinds that curl the wrinkled Waves,
That press the Sands, or hide in dropping Caves,
Impartial Foes, as if they Kindness meant,
By mutual Hate each others Wrongs resent.
Successive Deaths the fatal Circle tread,
Attend the Victor, and avenge the Dead.


Of Fishes some with venom'd Bane are stor'd,
Their hated Mouths the noxious Secret hoard.
The deadly Juice drops in the wounded Part,
Enflames the whole, and mocks the healing Art.
Him most the Fishers dread, in hideous Form
And Name agreeing with that reptile Worm,
Whose Sides a double Row of Legs display,
That print a thousand Footsteps on the Clay.
Like him the Sea-born Monster o'er the Main
With num'rous Feet rows on his waving Train.
One Touch of these will angry Blotches raise;
The blister'd Flesh it's redd'ning Wales displays.
As when the well-known Weed with pointed Leaf
Thro' unseen Wounds injects the stinging Grief,
In Spots around the scarlet Venom spreads,
And rising Pustules show their ruddy Heads;
So touch'd by them, we feel the burning Pains
Itch in the Skin, and tingle in the Veins.


In gawdy Show the various Rainbow prides,
But beauteous Look a secret Poyson hides,
A dreaded Foe to those who dive below,
Where on hard Beds the porous Spunges grow,
From it's lov'd Moisture bear the Heap away,
And bring the rancid Substance to the Day.
When the gay Shoals perceive the prying Guest,
Envious they throng, and all his Search molest;
With venom'd Teeth th'encumber'd Wretch surround,
Bite ev'ry Part, and suck the pleasing Wound.
Tho' clog'd by whelming Waves he flouncing strives,
Flings round his Arms, and back the Wantons drives.
Oft struck they can't forego the tempting Food,
Such is their ardent Thirst of human Blood.


So when full Ears scarce hold the ripen'd Grains,
And of rude Gales the whisp'ring Field complains,
When Reapers pine with Toil and sultry Heat,
The buzzing Squadrons scent the grateful Sweat;
On ev'ry Part they light, roam busy round,
Tickle the Face, and raise the ruddy Wound.
The Peasant fans them off, but they again
Wanton return, and strike the itching Pain.
Boldly impertinent the Lab'rer vex,
Buz round his Eyes, and bask upon his Cheeks;
Nor will the restless Swarms their Sport forego,
Till dead they fall prest by the quicker Blow;
Or cloy'd with Pleasure wing their silent Way,
And shun the Cool of the declining Day.


The crawling Preke a deadly Juice contains,
Injected Poyson fires the wounded Veins.
Soft Cuttle-Fish, that stain the flowing Tide
With inky Streams, more dreaded Moisture hide.
Nor small the Wound like that the Rainbow gives;
But raging Pain the glowing Member grieves.
From their curst Mouths the dropping Fires distill,
Enflame the Blood, and shed the spreading Ill.


The prickly Gudgeon, that alternate dwells.
In sandy Coverts, or in rocky Cells;
Fierce Scorpions, who their waving Volumes wreath,
Or vault above, or glide unseen beneath;
Weevers, whose March the tim'rous Shoals obey,
Divide their Ranks, and humbly give the Way;
The Swallow-Fish, that sports with equal Ease
Or poiz'd in Air, or born on grosser Seas;
The rav'nous Sea-Hog, and the prickly Hound,
Whose piercing Bristles multiply the Wound;
All venom'd Juice in hollow Tubes retain,
And, as they prick, inject the flowing Bane.


Sharp poison'd Darts the dreaded Fire-Flairs aid,
And hardy Sword-Fish wield the threat'ning Blade.
Nature and Time the growing Part produce,
Finish it's Length, and teach the murd'rous Use.
Nor burnish'd Steel, nor Plates of flaming Brass
In solid Work the fishy Snout surpass.
Struck with it's Point, the sounding Stone gives Way,
And shatter'd Rocks their secret Veins display.
The Fire-Flair's Tail it's venom'd Shaft contains;
Nor Time nor Wast the pois'nous Treasure drains.
Murd'rous alike they ravage all the Sea,
First give the mortal Wound, then seize the Prey.
In this they differ; when the Sword-Fish dies,
Extinct with him the mould'ring Weapon lies.
Despis'd and harmless now, the worthless Bone
No longer boasts the Sword, but useless grown
Henceforth it's martial Nature must disown.
Not so the Fire-Flair's Dart; that still survives
The dying Fish, and in it's Venom lives.


Man killing Arts has too industrious sought,
And murd'rous Science to Perfection brought.
For guilty Hands design'd, the sooty Trade
On sounding Anvils shapes the temper'd Blade.
Revengeful Persians not with Wounds content
Mix cursed Herbs, and deadly Juice ferment.
Too curious Search Death's hidden Stores reveals,
How Fate in Plants and pois'nous Powder dwells.
But of all Ills, that Art from Nature steals,
That Seas produce, or Earth's dark Womb conceals,
None equal that the Ray-like Fire-Flair bears;
No dreaded Stroke, no killing wound like hers.
All Things must yield; the dire Infection's such,
The solid Flint would moulder at the Touch.
When rising Shrubs their spreading Branches shoot,
Pride in their Leaves, or joy in rip'ning Fruit,
If with the Fire-Flair's Spear the Hand unkind
But grate the Root, or prick the tender Rind,
The Leaves shrink in, and all the Glories fade,
Rich Sap no more is thro' the Pipes convey'd;
No kind Supplies flow round the porous Stem,
Cast a bright Green, and swell the smiling Gem,
But killing Juices all the Fibres taint,
And tarnish'd Verdure tells the fatal Want.
Dry Stalks now rustle on the Ground reclin'd,
Where Shades once trembled at the wanton Wind.


Circe, who all the secret Poisons knew,
Or wash'd by Seas, or nourish'd by the Dew,
Midst all the deadly Treasures of her Art
Most valu'd kept the Fire-Flair's venom'd Dart.
To it's long taper Shaft the fishy Spoil
The Goddess joyns, and fits for martial Toil.
On her lov'd Son, whom in a conscious Grot
Wand'ring from Troy the Grecian Chief begot,
Circe the Prize, the fatal Gift bestows,
Describes it's Use, and the hid Venom shows.
He sought his Sire, till led by doubtful Fame
To rocky Coasts of Ithaca he came.
Here on his Father's Goats with youthful Pride
His fatal Spear the wanton Warrior try'd;
Around the Plain contagious Slaughters made,
And on rank Heaps the bearded Victims laid.
While careless he the pleasing Sport pursues,
The flying Herdsmen tell th' unwelcome News
The Chief incens'd recalls his youthful Hast,
To seize the Robber, and prevent the Wast.
But with blind Rage the Parricide possest
Assaults his Sire, and wounds his aged Breast.
Thro' boiling Veins the glowing Poisons roll,
And with dire Pains expell the ling'ring Soul.
Thus He, who dar'd the Dangers of the Main,
While Surges roll'd, and Tempests rag'd in vain,
His fated End in Sea-bred Venom found,
And from the Fire-Flair's Dart receiv'd his mortal Wound.


Vast Tunnies o'er the watry Surface sweep,
And the fierce Sword-Fish rolls the calmer Deep.
Tho' swift their Pace, tho' Fate attends their Strokes,
A worthless Fly the mighty Fish provokes.
When the curst Dog begins the sultry Days,
And fev'rish Vapours taint the kinder Rays,
Then fearless of the Waves the Ocean-Breez
Broods on the Waters, and infests the Seas.
Beneath the shelt'ring Fin the Insects hide,
And goad with pois'nous Sting the tender Side.
Vext with the puny Foe the Tunnies leap,
Flounce on the Stream, and toss the mantling Deep,
Ride o'er the foaming Seas, with Torture rave,
Bound into Air, and dash the smoking Wave.
Oft with imprudent Hast they fly the Main,
And seek in Death a kind Release from Pain,
Vault on some Ship, or to the Shores repair,
And gasp away their hated Lives in Air.


So when from reeking Vales Autumnal Days
Sulphureous Steams, and ranker Vapours raise,
With circling Tail, and wild distorted Eyes
Thro' rustling Brakes the madded Heifer flies,
With sounding Hoof the heathy Common beats,
While far behind the hollowing Peasant sweats.
Driv'n by the Pain, when the fierce Gad-Bee strikes,
Nor Fence of twisted Hedge, nor slimy Dikes
Retain the Beast; but o'er the shelving Steep
And clotty Ridge she takes the doubtful Leap.
Nor breezy Caves, nor Meads invite her Stay,
Tho' Banks obstruct, and Rivers cross the Way.
She fords the Stream, and climbs the rising Mound;
While distant Hills with bellowing Kine resound.


Dolphins, by all the liquid Realms rever'd,
Command the Seas, and rule the floating Herd.
The willing Tribes their native Lord obey,
Confess his Pow'r, and own the rightful Sway.
They ev'ry Kind in beauteous Form excell;
And awful Looks the true-born Monarch tell.
None can in Force with furious Dolphins vie,
Or the strong Fin with equal Vigour ply.
Dolphins as swift their rapid Course pursue,
As the wing'd Steel springs from the twanging Yew.
Fires sparkle in their Eyes, and gleaming Rays
Brighten the wat'ry Shade, and clear the gloomy Ways.
When Fishes with vain Hopes their trembling Heads
Or wrap in Slime, or roll in sandy Beds,
Midst the dark Shade they form a sudden Day,
And all the Secrets of the Depth survey.
When Lions roar, the Beasts with Terrour hear,
And by their Silence own their passive Fear.
Birds distant view, when Eagles soar on high,
And humbly give the Freedom of the Sky.
When flaggy Wings the glaring Dragon bear
In shining Tracks, and taint the gilded Air,
Silent below the meaner Serpent creeps,
Nor dares to hiss, but hides in weedy Heaps.
And thus in Pow'r unrival'd Dolphins reign
O'er the unbounded Empire of the Main.
While o'er the Floods the wanton Dolphin rolls,
All give the Sea, and drive their mingled Shoals.
With fearful Hast their thronging Heaps they raise,
Nor on their dreaded Monarch steady gaze.
Passive they turn their Eyes; with servile Fear
His furious Bounds, and distant Puffings hear.
But when the Sov'rain hungry seeks his Prey,
Then frighted Numbers crowd the narrow Sea.
From the known Tyrant all the meaner Slaves
Throng to the Friths, and nestle in the Caves.
He in crude Feasts his purpled Jaws embrues;
From the mixt Heaps will noblest Captives chuse,
Let go the tastless Prey, and vulgar Treats refuse.


But hardy Troops are found, and they alone
That brave the Dolphin, and his Sway disown;
With equal Scorn the Tyrant's Wrong repay,
Nor passive will the lawless Force obey:
Amies their Name; no pointed Spikes they bear,
Nor wield the Sword, nor dart the pois'nous Spear;
But close-set Teeth their vaulted Mouth surround,
That ready strike, and give the certain Wound.
With these fierce Amies, for the Fight prepar'd,
Engage their Monarch, nor his Threats 'regard.
When wanton Dolphins from their Fellows stray,
And the lone Wand'rers take their private Way,
Amies observe, and spread the pleasing News;
None dread the Danger, or the Toil excuse:
With firm Consent the Summons all obey,
Press to the Charge, and throng the straighten'd Way.


So when the Hopes of Fame, and hostile Spoils
To glorious Hazard push th' embattled Files.
Resolv'd they move, and all the Danger court,
Scale the high Wall, and raze the batter'd Fort:
War to the truly brave is only Sport.


Awhile the Dolphin, tho' unnumber'd Foes
Ally'd to One united Force oppose,
Nor royal Birth, nor ancient Fame forgets;
But mocks th' Invaders, and their Onset meets:
Feeds with Revenge, and tasts the double Sweets
Of slaughter'd Rebels, and of grateful Treats.
But when around the rallying Troops appear,
Rush in the Front, and thicken in the Rear,
War's doubtful Toils the finny Chief engage,
Rebellion worthy all the Monarch's Rage.
Fearless of Danger they at once surround
The Princely Fish, and all the Dolphin wound.
With Rage inveterate the restless Shoals
Make at his Head, and on his azure Jowls
Remorseless fasten; on his Back they ride,
Hang on his Gills, and tear his bleeding Side.
Some glide beneath, others behind him press,
Burden the Tail, and all the Fish distress.
He lab'ring puffs, tho' weaken'd with his Wounds
Yet vig'rous shoots, and all the Ocean rounds.
Vext with Disgrace, and Sense of various Pain
He meditates Revenge; with proud Disdain
Now swift as sunny Gleams the Dolphin leaps
Thro' flying Mists, and o'er the Surface sweeps.
Like Lightning now he gilds the Depths below,
Where silent Waves, and stiller Waters flow.
Nor mirksom Shades below, nor upper Seas,
Remove the Foes, nor give the Sov'rain Ease.
They still unmov'd their fasten'd Hold retain,
Drive with their Guide, and round the troubled Main.
Where're he moves, unwelcome they attend,
And born by him, with him as swift descend
To lowest Seas, as swift again pursue
Repeated Tracks, and clearer Day review.
Thus joyn'd they all one monstrous Fish appear,
And to known Shapes no certain Likeness bear.
Fishers amaz'd long fix their steady Eyes,
While blended Kinds their real Form disguise.


As when the stagnate Blood corrupting breeds
The putrid Sore, and glowing Ulcer feeds;
The dusky Leeches drain the noisome Food,
And give new Motion to the clotted Blood;
Curl up their Backs, and swell their bloated Sides,
And by strong Suction force the streaming Tides;
But when the long continu'd Pleasures cloy,
Senseless they fall, and dizzy with the Joy.
Thus Amies hung around the Dolphin twine,
Rivet their Teeth, nor will the Part resign.
When fed the weary Dolphin they release;
Disperse themselves, and drive along the Seas.
The Royal Fish, from hostile Numbers freed,
Resumes his Vigour, and exerts his Speed,
Furious he dashes round the broken Waves,
Devours whole Shoals and grinds the gasping Slaves.
The reeking Blood shines on the redden'd Ooze,
And blushing Waves their smiling Azure lose.
Flight or Resistance now no longer save,
But in Return they feel the Wounds they gave.


When prowling Troops of Wolves some wand'ring Deer
In num'rous Concert hunt; she wing'd with Fear
Skims o'er the Dale, and from the Mountain bounds;
With braying Plaints the vocal Wood resounds.
The furious Wolves with more than equal Pace
Reach to the Wound, and gain upon the Chace;
From her fat Sides the reeking Morsels tear,
Bear on the Haunch, and flea the living Deer.
Their harmless Prey securely they destroy,
And unaveng'd the guilty Meal enjoy.
Void of Remorse, and insolent with Pride
Laugh at her Groans, and all her Pains deride.
Not so the Dolphin's Foes unhurt retreat;
A just Revenge the daring Rebels meet,
Their former Insults of the Monarch grieve,
And Pains for Pains, and Wounds for Wounds receive.


Dolphins in Death their royal Birth regard,
Act like themselves, and for the Hour prepar'd,
Their Doom expecting they intrepid wait,
Ev'n then are careful to preserve their State;
Fate's Summons with Indifference obey,
But fly the Depths, and leave the wider Sea.
Lest meaner Fish the floating Carkass meet,
And with rude Scorn their lifeless Sov'rain treat.
To wavy Sands they silently retire,
Lie there unknown, and unobserv'd expire.
On the moist Bed recline their sickly Head,
Where no base Fish insults the royal Dead;
And hope that grateful Man with pious Hand
Will give his Friend the Burial of the Sand:
At least the Waters and returning Tide
Will in their wracky Heaps the princely Relicks hide.
Living they rule, and dying leave the Main;
No base-bred Foes their injur'd Corps profane.
Greatness of Soul in latest Hours appears:
Careless of Life the thoughtless Hero fears,
Lest ought that's less'ning, or that's mean at last
A sullying Stain on former Glories cast.
And Dolphins thus in Death we must admire
Just to themselves; their Conduct is entire.
Careful t' assert their Honour, and maintain
Their former Port, the Dolphins dying reign.


Barbels, unlike the rest, are just and mild,
No Fish they harm, by them no Seas are spoil'd.
Nor on their own, nor diff'rent Kinds they prey,
But equal Laws of common Right obey.
Undreaded they with guiltless Pleasure feed
On fat'ning Slime, or bite the sea-grown Weed.
Each licks his Mate; by Love the Barbel lives,
And the dear Kiss alternate Pleasure gives.
The Good and Just are Heaven's peculiar Care:
All rav'nous Kinds the sacred Barbel spare;
Nor will tho' hungry seize the gentle Fry,
But give the Look, and pitying pass them by.
Honour's just Meed, and due Rewards attend
The brave good Man, who scorns the selfish End,
Will on no Rights by lawless Pow'r intrude,
But to his own prefers the publick Good.
Ev'n stormy Seas the juster Kinds revere,
And Fishes some Respect to Virtue bear.


But All besides, voracious and unjust,
Obey their Passions, and indulge their Lust.
When Hunger calls, they roam abroad for Food,
Pursue the weaker, by the strong pursu'd.
All the Night long they constant Watches keep,
Nor one unguarded Moment give to Sleep.
Scaro's alone their folded Eye-lids close
In grateful Intervals of soft Repose.
In some sequester'd Cell remov'd from Sight,
They sleep away the Dangers of the Night.
The rest all wakeful dread the dire Surprize;
From midnight Fears the God of Slumber flies.


Fondly we blame the Rage of warring Fish,
Who urg'd by Hunger must supply the Wish;
When cruel Men, to whom their ready Food
Kind Earth affords, yet thirst for human Blood.
Peace, griev'd by Man, to brighter Regions fled,
And angry Mars contending Nations led.
Ambitious Youths with Thirst of Glory fir'd
The proud Deformity of Scars admir'd.
Pow'r uncontroll'd maintain'd the wrongful Cause,
Nor fear'd the weaker Force of silent Laws.
Nor would ungovern'd Rage the Temples spare;
But ev'n the Gods forgot their wonted Care.
The hoary Priest oft while he suppliant pray'd,
On his own Altar was a Victim made.
Bold Sacrilege laid hallow'd Buildings wast,
And in vile Heaps the sacred Rubbish cast.
In circling Wreaths to Heav'n their impious Fires
Boldly went up, and roll'd their guilty Spires.
Statues deform'd lay headless on the Ground,
None knew what God the dubious Image own'd.
At length soft Peace look'd back; the Troubles ceast,
And pitying Heaven gave the Kingdoms Rest.
From good Æneas sprung, the Cesars came
To sooth the World, and quench the spreading Flame.
Yet restless Discord would unconquer'd strive
The dying Sparks of Fury to revive.
The proud Iberian, and the warlike Gaul
Repin'd at Ease, and heard Bellona's Call.
Oft did the Rhine polluted Currents mourn,
And wash the Stains from his discolour'd Urn.
Oft from his Reeds old Ister silent gaz'd,
And saw his Banks by slaughter'd Legions rais'd.
Till you, blest Pair, so kinder Heav'n decreed,
Peace unallay'd restor'd, and groaning Nations freed.
Now settled Peace broods on the smiling Vales,
And steady Justice holds th' impartial Scales.
Astrea comes, the Goddess comes again,
And from injurious Rapin guards the Plain.
Plenty around her various Mantle spreads,
O'er flow'ry Pastures, and unforrag'd Meads.
The God of Sleep, freed from the noisy Dread,
On ev'ry Bank inclines his drowzy Head.
Gay painted Dreams skim o'er the silent Plain,
And kindly hover on the slumb'ring Swain.
The joyous Sun smiles on the calmer Day,
And little Loves in ev'ry Corner play.
May the Good Gods these Halcyon Days prolong,
Give Rust to Arms, and Leisure to the Song.
May, thro' the Round of long successive Years,
Continu'd Peace prevent our future Fears.
Now suppliant Right fears no disgustful Frown
Or from th' Imperial Sire, or Royal Son.
Now humble Merit meets a just Reward,
Nor will the Court disdain the peaceful Bard.
May Jove, and those bright Messengers of Fate,
That throng his Throne, and on the Godhead wait,
May all indulgent guard the Royal Pair,
The World's great Monarch, and the blooming Heir.
Our Wishes must succeed, our Pray'rs are heard,
If Piety deserves a just Reward.
The Heav'nly Pow'rs will look propitious down,
By sure Succession fix th' establish'd Throne,
Preserve th' Immortal Sire, and aid the Godlike Son.

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