2o8 IZAAK WALTON AND HIS FRIENDS 



" CONTENTATION " 



Directed to my dear Father and most worthy Friend, Mr 

 Isaac Walton. 



Heav'n, what an age is this ! what race 

 Of giants is sprung up, that dare 



Thus fly in the Almighty's face, 



And with his providence make war ! 



I can go no where but I meet 



With malecontents and mutineers ; 



As if, in life, was nothing sweet, 



And we must blessings reap in tears. 



O senseless man ! that murmurs still 

 For happiness ; and does not know. 



Even though he might enjoy his will, 

 What he would have to make him so. 



Is it true happiness to be, 



By undiscerning fortune, plac'd 



In the most eminent degree, 



Where few arrive, and none stand fast ? 



Titles and wealth are fortune's toils. 



Wherewith the vain themselves ensnare ; 



The great are proud of borrow'd spoils, 

 The miser's plenty breeds his care. 



