14 If e'er a doubt of softer kind arose Within some breast of less obdurate frame, Lo! where its hideous form a phantom shows Full in his view, and Cuckold is its name. Him Scorn attended with a glance askew, And Scorpion Shame for delicts not his own, Her painted bubbles while Suspicion blew, And vexed the region round the Cupid's throne: 'Far be from us,' they cried, 'the treacherous bane, Far be the dimply guile, and far the flowery chain!' CARELESS CONTENT. 1 I am content, I do not care, Wag as it will the world for me; When fuss and fret was all my fare, It got no ground as I could see: So when away my caring went, I counted cost, and was content. 2 With more of thanks and less of thought, I strive to make my matters meet; To seek what ancient sages sought, Physic and food in sour and sweet: To take what passes in good part, And keep the hiccups from the heart. 3 With good and gentle-humoured hearts, I choose to chat where'er I come, Whate'er the subject be that starts; But if I get among the glum, I hold my tongue to tell the truth, And keep my breath to cool my broth. 4 For chance or change of peace or pain, For Fortune's favour or her frown, For lack or glut, for loss or gain, I never dodge, nor up nor down: But swing what way the ship shall swim, Or tack about with equal trim. 5 I suit not where I shall not speed, Nor trace the turn of every tide; If simple sense will not succeed, I make no bustling, but abide: For shining wealth, or scaring woe, I force no friend, I fear no foe. 6 Of ups and downs, of ins and outs, Of they're i' the wrong, and we're i' the right, I shun the rancours and the routs; And wishing well to every wight, Whatever turn the matter takes, I deem it all but ducks and drakes. 7 With whom I feast I do not fawn, Nor if the folks should flout me, faint; If wonted welcome be withdrawn, I cook no kind of a complaint: With none disposed to disagree, But like them best who best like me. 8 Not that I rate myself the rule How all my betters should behave But fame shall find me no man's fool, Nor to a set of men a slave: I love a friendship free and frank, And hate to hang upon a hank. 9 Fond of a true and trusty tie, I never loose where'er I link; Though if a business budges by, I talk thereon just as I think; My word, my work, my heart, my hand, Still on a side together stand. 10 If names or notions make a noise, Whatever hap the question hath, The point impartially I poise, And read or write, but without wrath; For should I burn, or break my brains, Pray, who will pay me for my pains?