chap, xxi.] THE COMPLETE ANGLER. 



I would be high, — but see the proudest oak 



Most subject to the rending thunderstroke : 



I would be rich, — but see men too unkind, 



Dig in the bowels of the richest mind : 



I would be wise, — but that I often see 



Tliefox suspected, whilst the ass goes free : 



I would be fair, — but see the fair and proud, 



Like the bright sun oft setting in a cloud : 



I would be poor, — but know the humble grass 



Still trampled on by each unworthy ass : 



Rich hated : — Wise suspected : — Scorn' d if poor : — 



Great fear d: — Fair tempted: — High, still envy'd more: 



I have wish'd all ; but now I wish for neither ; 



Great, High, Rich, Wise, nor Fair; Poor Fll be 

 rather. 



Would the World now adopt me for her heir, 

 Would Beauty's queen entitle me the fair ; — 

 Fame speak me Fortune's minion; — could I vie 

 Angels with India ; — with a speaking eye 

 Command bare heads, bow'd knees, strike justice dumb, 

 As well as blind and lame ; or give a tongue 

 To stones by epitaphs ; be called great master 

 In the loose rhymes of every poetaster : — 

 Could I be more than any man that lives, 

 Great, fair, rich, wise, all in superlatives : 

 Yet I more freely ivould these gifts resign, 

 Than ever Fortune ivould have made them mine ; 

 And hold one minute of this holy leisure, 

 Beyond the riches of this empty pleasure. 



