_Dor._. Ah, the Inconstancy of this World! Out of sight, out f Mind. Your little Monkey is scarce cold in his Grave, and you have already forgot what you us'd so much to admire: Do but call him to remembrance, Sir, in his red Coat, new Gloves, little Hat, and clean Linen; then discharge your Conscience, utter the Truth from your Heart, and tell us whether he was not the prettier Gentleman of the two--By my Virginity, Sir, (tho' that's but a slippery Oath, you'll say) had they made love to me together, _Esop_ should have worn the Willow. _Lear._ Since nothing but an Animal will please thee, 'tis pity my Monkey had not that Virginity thou hast sworn by. But I, whom Wisdom charms even in the homeliest Dress, can never think the much-deserving _Esop_ unworthy of my Daughter. _Dor._ Now, in the Name of Wonder, what is't you so admire in him? _Lear._ Hark, and thou shalt know; but you, _Euphronia_, Be you more especially attentive. 'Tis true he's plain; but that's, my Girl, a Trifle. All manly Beauty's seated in the Soul; And that of _Esop_, Envy's self must own, Outshines whate'er the World has yet produc'd. _Crœsus_, the prosperous Favourite of Heaven; _Crœsus_, the happiest Potentate on Earth; Whose Treasure (tho' immense) is the least Part Of what he holds from Providence's Care, Leans on his Shoulder as his grand Support, Admires his Wisdom, doats upon his Truth, And makes him Pilot to Imperial Sway. But in this elevated Post of Power, What's his Employ? Where does he point his Thoughts? To live in Splendour, Luxury, and Ease, Do endless Mischiefs, by neglecting Good, And build his Family on other's Ruins? No: He serves the Prince, and serves the People too; Is useful to the Rich, and helps the Poor; There's nothing stands neglected, but himself. With constant Pain, and yet with constant Joy, From Place to Place throughout the Realm he goes, With useful Lessons, form'd to every Rank: The People learn Obedience from his Tongue, The Magistrate is guided in Command, The Prince is minded of a Father's Care, The Subjects taught the Duty of a Child. And as 'tis dangerous to be bold with Truth, He often calls for Fable to his Aid, Where, under abject Names of Beasts and Birds, Virtue shines out, and Vice is cloath'd in Shame. And thus, by inoffensive Wisdom's Force, He conquers Folly wheresoe'er he moves: This is his Portrait. _Dor._ A very good Picture of a very ill Face! _Lear._ Well, Daughter; what, not a Word? Is it possible any thing that I am Father of can be untouch'd with so much Merit? _Euph._ My Duty may make all things possible: But _Esop_ is so ugly, Sir--