Fable XVIII. the Politic Lion

In life no error more appears Than ill adapted characters.

Who would not either laugh, or cry, The contrast of philosophy, To see a valiant soldier loll And slumber in a Prebend's stall, Devoid of Piety and Knowledge, Who shames EELIGION, and the COLLEGE; (His morals nought but outward show,) And shines a most irrev'rend beau.

What other feelings strike the heart, To see the grave PHYSICIAN'S part Disgrac'd by those, (as oft is seen,) Who good mechanics might have been; To see a genius, form'd for trade, A blund'ring Pettyfogger made; To see a farming country Squire, Sent up a silent Knight o' th' shire— To see a Poet, or Musician, Commencing shallow Politician; In short, to see, as sense must own, So many men turn'd upside down; And Reason's dictates cast aside, By Folly, Avarice, or Pride. When each man in a proper place, Might act his part with decent grace.

A LION, who with sov'reign sway The forest rul'd—one council day, Among the subject beasts declar'd, That he and they must stand prepar'd A most tremendous war to wage, Demanding wisdom, strength, and rage.

Let all, he cries, take proper spheres, And all who march, be volunteers— In ev'ry enterprize we find There's nothing like a willing mind.

You, BRUIN, whom we henceforth call Our Muster-master General, Collect our Warriors with such speed, As suits a time of pressing need; For this the wisest means pursue: Ourself will take the grand review.

His royal Mandate spread about, All royal beasts began their route; The HARE and ASS, with others came, Thro' Duty, more than love of Fame; Whom when the cynic Bear beheld, With savage laugh he shook the field; Then said, with an ironic sneer, Oh, welcome, valiant creatures, here— What Monarchs shrink at war's alarms, When such as you cry out—To arms! Heroes! for boundless conquest made— Of nothing, but disgrace, afraid.

The bashful couple in dismay, Held down their heads and slunk away— Too often modest worth and sense Give place to harden'd impudence.

Just then the LION, passing by, Beheld them with indulgent eye; And having kindly ask'd their cases, Declar'd they should be fix'd in places,— Which, certainly, tho' not so great As many others in the state, Had still their worth, and were of use, Beyond the reach of proud abuse.

Then turning to the BEAR, he cry'd, How durst you, Sir, indulge your pride? If you had been as wise, as strong, Your sense would then have check'd your tongue— Good subjects must be dear to me, Whether of high, or low degree.

Indeed should I so grossly err, Unworthy creatures to prefer; Should I so far from prudence wander, To make an ASS or HARE commander; My subjects might with cause complain, And stigmatize my simple reign.

But while I, with impartial spirit, Pay due regard to honest merit; While just gradation forward leads, And beasts are valu'd for their deeds; They'll well perform their sev'ral parts, And I reign Monarch of their hearts.

Those creatures you so much disdain, When thus dispos'd shall credit gain; The Stentor-ass shall loudly rattle, And bray, with martial sound—To battle! And on occasion help to bear Provisions—while this nimble Hare Shall serve, for which you'll all confess She's well design'd, to go express— To scout, and watch, with curious eye, The motions of our enemy.

Thus, or my judgment is outwitted, Their bus'ness, and their pow'rs are fitted. In movements of a grand machine, Small wheels, as well as great, are seen— So may the least in any nation, Be put into an useful station; And PUBLIC good will flourish most, Where each supplies his proper post.