LOVE AND REPUTATION A FABLE. 

 O'^CE on the way, as table tells, 



Love, Reputation greeted ; .,.„■, 



The first, like modern friends, seem d frank. 



The other. Ay, retreated. 



«< Si' Gravity," said sprigiitly Love-,. 



<< Shall I my schemes unravel ? 

 .< Companions fair ! yet once for whimr 



«' Together let us travel. 



« Nor is this league, with empty views, 



«' On either side invited; 

 «« Pert Slander, ftall in vain efsay, 



«« On you, or me, united." 



Agreed !— away flies eager Love, 



His wings outstriFp'd the wind. 

 Whilst Reputation, slow of toot. 



Come lagging far behind. 



Love stop'd, impatient at his stay. 



And cried, " if thus I tarry, 

 «« How many macche.^ fhall I spoil ? 



«' How many prudes miscarry ? 



«< How many vot'ries (hall I lose ? 



t< Yet not my faith to sully, 

 « ni teach thee, my dear friend, though new,. 



" To mark my progrefs duly. 



« When towns I seek, a wing Tl! plume, 

 " Yoiit guide to trace me thithen-, 



« At masqueiades, afsemblies, balls, 

 «« You ne'er fball mifs a feather.' 



« Soft 1 soft !• said Reputation, « child» 

 < To these I rarely come j 



< So master Love, again you're free, 

 « In random flig.ht to loam. 



< Yet e'er we part, weigh well my words,, 



' With strict attention mind mej 

 ' Those whom I meet, and me direct, 

 « Again (hall never, (ind me.' 



