Than the conjunctions of a charlatan, Under the self-same planet, tell the man. Are kings and shepherds born, though one may sway With golden sceptre, and the other play With ashen crook? "The will of Jupiter,"-- A star has not a soul, my worthy sir; Why should its influence affect these two So diversely? How can it pierce through That sea of air,--those cloudy gulfs profound, Mars and the Sun, and pass each fiery bound? An atom would disturb it on its path. Horoscope-mongers, let me rouse your wrath: The state of Europe,--who predicted that? Did you foresee it?--now, then, answer pat. Think of each planet's distance, and its speed; These sage's passions, it is well agreed, Prevent their judging of our actions right. On them our fate depends: a planet's course Goes like our minds, with a still-varying force. And yet these fools, with compass and with line, Of men's whole lives would map out a design! But do not let the tales that I repeat Weigh in the balance more than it is meet. The fate of boy and Æschylus came true, Blind and deceitful though the art be, too. Once in a thousand times the bull's eye's hit; That is the good luck of your juggling wit. FABLE CLX. THE TORRENT AND THE RIVER. With a roar and a dreadful sound, The Torrent dashed down the rock. All fled from its mighty bound; And horror followed the shock, Shaking the fields around. No Traveller dared essay To cross the Torrent, save one, Who, meeting thieves by the way, And, finding all chances gone, Rode straight through the foam and spray. No depth! All menace and din! The Traveller drew his breath With courage, and laughed within Himself at escape from death; But the thieves resolved to win. His path they pursue and keep, Till he comes to a River clear, Peaceful and tranquil as sleep, And as far removed from fear: Its banks are in no way steep. But pure and glistening sand Border the placid wave; He leaves the dangerous land, To find a treacherous grave: It was deep, you'll understand. He drinks of the awful Styx, For deepest waters are still. Beware of quiet men's tricks; But for noisy men--they will Battle with words, not sticks. [Illustration: THE TORRENT AND THE RIVER.] FABLE CLXI. THE ASS AND THE DOG.