A POEM. 153 



Who must entirely Nature's gift refuse, 

 Because her boon they cannot but abuse : 

 Mean paltry wretches ! this their poor pretence ! 

 ' We brainless asses lack self-confidence ! 

 And so, in truth, as here you now allege, 

 Fear of ourselves extorts the binding pledge.' 



No ! your own keeper be, nor emulate 

 The self-sufficiency of those who prate 

 Of total abstinence ; but, Sportsman like, 

 Judge for yourself, you'll not be far from right. 

 And if you've honor'd me by prosing through 

 My little volume, and one hint that's new 

 Has cross'd your path, or e'en should one that's been 

 Eras'd from memory's tablet, here be seen 

 Again set down, and to its place resign'd 

 By my weak efforts ; should you also find 

 It not too tedious, judge but the intent, 

 I trust I then may hope you'll not repent 

 The past two hours, or deem them timemispent; 



