1^03. on wisdom and wealth. 323 



OiN WISDOM AND WEALTH, AN ALLEGORY. 



O dea cer'.e! Virg. 



In the beginning of things, before experience had in- 

 structed either celestial or terrestrial beings in the 

 consequences attending the indulgence of different 

 pafsions and affections, a dispute arose for prece- 

 dency between Wisdom and Wealth. The contest: 

 was to be decided before the throne of Jupiter. 



In advancing to that .iwful tribunal, Wealth was 

 the foremost, and afsumed to herself the right of 

 first addrefsing the god. She was preceded bj two 

 gorgeous lacqueys, who were known to be Pride and 

 Arrogance ; and was followed by the revel rout of 

 noisy and tumultuous Luxury. She was herself 

 sumptuously, but not elegantly apparelled. Her 

 robes were of cloth of gold, adorned and embroidered 

 with a profusion of gems and colours. She wore oa 

 her head a most splendid tiara, loaded with gold and 

 jewf'h. " I," said flie, " O I Jupiter, have the best 

 right to precedence. By me man Ihall enjoy all the 

 plcasur<;s of life. By me he fliall dwell in magnificent 

 pahces, be carried in superb carriages, be arrayed 

 with the finest raiment, feed upon the most dainty 

 viands, and live upon earth even the life of the gods. 

 Let me add, O Jupiter ! that by giving me prece- 

 dence thou wilt study thine own interest ; for by me 

 man (hall be enabled to do thee homage in lofty tem- 

 ples and with costl, oblations." She ceased, scarce- 

 ly deigning to yield obeisance, even to him who sat 

 oil the throne of Olympus. 



