THE BABOON AND THE POULTRY. TO A LEVEE-HUNTER. We frequently misplace esteem, By judging men by what they seem, To birth, wealth, power, we should allow Precedence, and our lowest bow. In that is due distinction shown, Esteem is virtue's right alone. With partial eye we're apt to see The man of noble pedigree. We're prepossess'd my lord inherits In some degree his grandsire's merits; _10 For those we find upon record: But find him nothing but my lord. When we with superficial view, Gaze on the rich, we're dazzled too. We know that wealth well understood, Hath frequent power of doing good: Then fancy that the thing is done, As if the power and will were one. Thus oft the cheated crowd adore The thriving knaves that keep them poor. _20 The cringing train of power survey: What creatures are so low as they! With what obsequiousness they bend! To what vile actions condescend! Their rise is on their meanness built, And flattery is their smallest guilt. What homage, rev'rence, adoration, In every age, in every nation, Have sycophants to power addressed! No matter who the power possessed. _30 Let ministers be what they will, You find their levees always fill. Even those who have perplexed a state, Whose actions claim contempt and hate, Had wretches to applaud their schemes, Though more absurd than madmen's dreams. When barbarous Moloch was invoked, The blood of infants only smoked! But here (unless all history lies) Whole realms have been a sacrifice. _40 Look through all Courts--'Tis power we find, The general idol of mankind, There worshipped under every shape; Alike the lion, fox, and ape Are followed by time-serving slaves, Rich prostitutes, and needy knaves. Who, then, shall glory in his post? How frail his pride, how vain his boast! The followers of his prosperous hour Are as unstable as his power. _50 Power by the breath of flattery nursed, The more it swells, is nearer burst. The bubble breaks, the gewgaw ends, And in a dirty tear descends. Once on a time, an ancient maid, By wishes and by time decayed, To cure the pangs of restless thought, In birds and beasts amusement sought: Dogs, parrots, apes, her hours employed; With these alone she talked and toyed. _60 A huge baboon her fancy took, (Almost a man in size and look,) He fingered everything he found, And mimicked all the servants round. Then, too, his parts and ready wit Showed him for every business fit. With all these talents, 'twas but just That pug should hold a place of trust: So to her fav'rite was assigned The charge of all her feathered kind. _70 'Twas his to tend 'em eve and morn, And portion out their daily corn. Behold him now with haughty stride, Assume a ministerial pride. The morning rose. In hope of picking, Swans, turkeys, peacocks, ducks and chicken, Fowls of all ranks surround his hut,