Enthroned by an eternal law, Hath Discord reign'd throughout the universe. In proof, I might from this our planet draw A thousand instances diverse. Within the circle of our view, This queen hath subjects not a few. Beginning with the elements, It is astonishing to see How they have stood, to all intents, As wrestlers from eternity. Besides these four great potentates, Old stubborn earth, fire, flood, and air, How many other smaller states Are waging everlasting war! In mansion deck'd with frieze and column, Dwelt dogs and cats in multitudes; Decrees, promulged in manner solemn, Had pacified their ancient feuds. Their lord had so arranged their meals and labours, And threaten'd quarrels with the whip, That, living in sweet cousinship, They edified their wondering neighbours. At last, some dainty plate to lick, Or profitable bone to pick, Bestow'd by some partiality, Broke up the smooth equality. The side neglected were indignant At such a slight malignant. Some writers make the whole dispute begin With favours to a bitch while lying in. Whate'er the cause, the altercation Soon grew a perfect conflagration. In hall and kitchen, dog and cat Took sides with zeal for this or that. New rules upon the cat side falling Produced tremendous caterwauling. Their advocate, against such rules as these, Advised recurrence to the old decrees. They search'd in vain, for, hidden in a nook, The thievish mice had eaten up the book. Another quarrel, in a trice, Made many sufferers with the mice; For many a veteran whisker'd-face, With craft and cunning richly stored, And grudges old against the race, Now watch'd to put them to the sword; Nor mourn'd for this that mansion's lord. Resuming our discourse, we see No creature from opponents free. 'Tis nature's law for earth and sky; 'Twere vain to ask the reason why; God's works are good,--I cannot doubt it,-- And that is all I know about it. I know, however, that the cause Which hath our human quarrels brought, Three quarters of the time, is nought That will be, is, or ever was. Ye veterans, in state and church, At threescore years, indeed, It seems there still is need To give you lessons with the birch! IX.--THE WOLF AND THE FOX. Whence comes it that there liveth not A man contented with his lot? Here's one who would a soldier be, Whom soldiers all with envy see. A fox to be a wolf once sigh'd. With disappointments mortified, Who knows but that, his wolfship cheap, The wolf himself would be a sheep?