Two men equipp’d were on their way; One fearful; one without dismay, An able fencer. As they went, A robber came with black intent; Demanding, upon pain of death, Their gold and silver in a breath. At which the man of spirit drew, And instantly disarm’d and slew The Thief, his honor to maintain. Soon as the rogue was fairly slain, The tim’rous chap began to puff, And drew his sword, and stripp’d in buff-- “Leave me alone with him! stand back! I’ll teach him whom he should attack.” Then he who fought, “I wish, my friend, But now you’d had such words to lend; I might have been confirm’d the more, Supposing truth to all you swore; Then put your weapon in the sheath, And keep your tongue within your teeth, Though you may play an actor’s part On them who do not know your heart. I, who have seen this very day How lustily you ran away, Experience when one comes to blows How far your resolution goes.” This narrative to those I tell Who stand their ground when all is well; But in the hour of pressing need Abash’d, most shamefully recede. III. THE BALD MAN AND THE FLY. As on his head she chanced to sit, A Man’s bald pate a Gadfly bit; He, prompt to crush the little foe, Dealt on himself a grievous blow: At which the Fly, deriding said, “You that would strike an insect dead For one slight sting, in wrath so strict, What punishment will you inflict Upon yourself, who was so blunt To do yourself this gross affront?”-- “O,” says the party, “as for me, I with myself can soon agree. The spirit of th’ intention’s all; But thou, detested cannibal! Blood-sucker! to have thee secured More would I gladly have endured.” What by this moral tale is meant Is--those who wrong not with intent Are venial; but to those that do Severity, I think, is due. IV. THE MAN AND THE ASS. A certain Man, when he had made A sacrifice, for special aid To Hercules, and kill’d a swine, Did for his Ass’s share assign All the remainder of the corn; But he, rejecting it with scorn, Thus said: “I gladly would partake-- But apprehend that life’s at stake; For he you fatted up and fed With store of this, is stuck and dead.” Struck with the import of this tale, I have succeeded to prevail Upon my passions, and abstain, From peril of immod’rate gain. But, you will say, those that have come Unjustly by a handsome sum, Upon the pillage still subsist-- Why, if we reckon up the list, You’ll find by far the major part Have been conducted in the cart: Temerity for some may do, But many more their rashness rue. V. THE BUFFOON AND COUNTRY-FELLOW.