While he whom learning, habits, all prevent, Is largely mulct for each impediment. Yet, let us own that trade has much of chance: Not all the careful by their care advance; With the same parts and prospects, one a seat Builds for himself; one finds it in the Fleet. Then, to the wealthy you will see denied Comforts and joys that with the poor abide: 40 There are who labour through the year, and yet No more have gain'd than--not to be in debt; Who still maintain the same laborious course, Yet pleasure hails them from some favourite source; And health, amusements, children, wife or friend, With life's dull views their consolations blend. Nor these alone possess the lenient power Of soothing life in the desponding hour; Some favourite studies, some delightful care, The mind with trouble and distresses share; 50 And by a coin, a flower, a verse, a boat, The stagnant spirits have been set afloat; They pleased at first, and then the habit grew, Till the fond heart no higher pleasure knew; Till, from all cares and other comforts freed, Th' important nothing took in life the lead. With all his phlegm, it broke a Dutchman's heart, At a vast price with one loved root to part; And toys like these fill many a British mind, Although their hearts are found of firmer kind. 60 Oft have I smiled the happy pride to see Of humble tradesmen, in their evening glee; When, of some pleasing, fancied good possess'd, Each grew alert, was busy, and was bless'd; Whether the call-bird yield the hour's delight, Or, magnified in microscope, the mite; Or whether tumblers, croppers, carriers seize The gentle mind, they rule it and they please. There is my friend the Weaver; strong desires Reign in his breast; 'tis beauty he admires: 70 See! to the shady grove he wings his way, And feels in hope the raptures of the day-- Eager he looks; and soon, to glad his eyes, } From the sweet bower, by nature form'd, arise } Bright troops of virgin moths and fresh-born butterflies; } Who broke that morning from their half-year's sleep, To fly o'er flow'rs where they were wont to creep. Above the sovereign oak a sovereign skims, The purple Emp'ror, strong in wing and limbs: There fair Camilla takes her flight serene, 80 Adonis blue, and Paphia, silver-queen; With every filmy fly from mead or bower, And hungry Sphinx, who threads the honey'd flower; She o'er the Larkspur's bed, where sweets abound, Views ev'ry bell, and hums th' approving sound; Poised on her busy plumes, with feeling nice She draws from every flower, nor tries a floret twice. He fears no bailiff's wrath, no baron's blame, His is untax'd and undisputed game; Nor less the place of curious plant he knows[54]; 90