But his own tools, an ax and cord: Then on a cloud the hood-wink'd fair, Justice herself was push'd by air: About her chariot, and behind, Were serjeants, bums of every kind, 275 Tip-staffs, and all those officers, That squeeze a living out of tears. Though physic liv'd, while folks were ill, None would prescribe, but bees of skill, Which through the hive dispers'd so wide, 280 That none of them had need to ride; Wav'd vain disputes, and strove to free The patients of their misery; Left drugs in cheating countries grown, And us'd the product of their own; 285 Knowing the gods sent no disease, To nations without remedies. Their clergy rous'd from laziness, Laid not their charge on journey-bees; But serv'd themselves, exempt from vice, 290 The gods with pray'r and sacrifice; All those, that were unfit, or knew, Their service might be spar'd, withdrew: Nor was their business for so many, (If th' honest stand in need of any,) 295 Few only with the high-priest staid, To whom the rest obedience paid: Himself employ'd in holy cares; Resign'd to others state-affairs. He chas'd no starv'ling from his door, 300 Nor pinch'd the wages of the poor: But at his house the hungry's fed, } The hireling finds unmeasur'd bread, } The needy trav'ller board and bed. } Among the king's great ministers, 305 And all th' inferior officers, The change was great; for frugally They now liv'd on their salary: That a poor bee should ten times come To ask his due, a trifling sum, 310 And by some well-hir'd clerk be made To give a crown, or ne'er be paid, Would now be call'd a downright cheat, Though formerly a perquisite. All places manag'd first by three, 315 Who watch'd each other's knavery And often for a fellow-feeling, Promoted one another's stealing, Are happily supply'd by one, By which some thousands more are gone. 320 No honour now could be content, To live and owe for what was spent; Liv'ries in brokers shops are hung, They part with coaches for a song; Sell stately horses by whole sets; 325 And country-houses, to pay debts. Vain cost is shunn'd as much as fraud; They have no forces kept abroad; Laugh at th' esteem of foreigners, And empty glory got by wars; 330 They fight but for their country's sake, When right or liberty's at stake. Now mind the glorious hive, and see How honesty and trade agree. The show is gone, it thins apace; 335 And looks with quite another face. For 'twas not only that they went, By whom vast sums were yearly spent;