Like Heaven, it hears the orphan's cries, And wipes the tears from widows' eyes; Their crimes on gold shall misers lay, Who pawned their sordid souls for pay? _50 Let bravoes then (when blood is spilt) Upbraid the passive sword with guilt.' * * * * * FABLE VII. THE LION, THE FOX, AND THE GEESE. A lion, tired with state affairs, Quite sick of pomp, and worn with cares, Resolved (remote from noise and strife) In peace to pass his latter life. It was proclaimed; the day was set; Behold the general council met, The fox was viceroy named. The crowd To the new regent humbly bowed. Wolves, bears, and mighty tigers bend, And strive who most shall condescend. _10 He straight assumes a solemn grace, Collects his wisdom in his face. The crowd admire his wit, his sense: Each word hath weight and consequence. The flatterer all his art displays: He who hath power, is sure of praise. A fox stept forth before the rest, And thus the servile throng address'd. 'How vast his talents, born to rule, And trained in virtue's honest school: _20 What clemency his temper sways! How uncorrupt are all his ways! Beneath his conduct and command, Rapine shall cease to waste the land. His brain hath stratagem and art; Prudence and mercy rule his heart; What blessings must attend the nation Under this good administration!' He said. A goose who distant stood, Harangued apart the cackling brood: _30 'W'hene'er I hear a knave commend, He bids me shun his worthy friend. What praise! what mighty commendation! But 'twas a fox who spoke the oration. Foxes this government may prize, As gentle, plentiful, and wise; If they enjoy the sweets, 'tis plain We geese must feel a tyrant reign. What havoc now shall thin our race, When every petty clerk in place, _40 To prove his taste and seem polite, Will feed on geese both noon and night!' * * * * * FABLE VIII. THE LADY AND THE WASP.