140 FABLES. 



people, who think that it can be altered. But 

 besides the impossibility of producing a change by 

 foolish importunities, they who employ much of 

 their time in that way, instead of getting, are sure 

 to lose in the end. When any man is so silly and 

 vexatious as to make unreasonable complaints, 

 and to harbour undue repinings in his heart, his 

 peevishness will lessen the real good which he 

 possesses, and the sourness of his temper shorten 

 that allowance of comfort which he already thinks 

 too scanty. Thus, in truth, it is not Providence, 

 but ourselves, \vho punish our own importunity, in 

 soliciting for impossibilities, with a sharp corroding 

 care, which abridges us of some part of that little 

 pleasure which Heaven has cast into our lot. 



Happy the man without a wish for more, 

 Who quietly enjoys his little store, 

 And knows to heaven, with gratitude to pay 

 Thanks for what's given, and what is ta'en away. 



