" Such is our state T in a tempestuous sea, 

 With all the crew raging in mutiny T 

 No duty followed, none to reef a sail, 

 To work the vessel, or to pump or bale : 

 All is abandoned, and without a check 

 The mighty sea comes sweeping o'er the deck. 

 Our steersman, hitherto so bold and steady, 

 Active and able, is deposed already. 

 No discipline, no sense of order felt, 

 The daily messes are undulj; dealt, 

 The goods are plundered, those that ought to keep 

 Strict watch are idly skulking or asleep ; 

 All that is left of order or command 

 Committed wholly to the basest hand. 

 In such a case, my friend, I needs must think 

 It were no marvzl though the vessel sink. 

 This riddle to my worthy friends I tell, 

 But a. shrewd knave will understand it well." 



THEOGNIS. 



