What guide invisible points out their way, O'er the dank marsh, bleak hill, and sandy plain? _340 The courteous Muse shall the dark cause reveal. The blood that from the heart incessant rolls In many a crimson tide, then here and there In smaller rills disparted, as it flows Propelled, the serous particles evade Through the open pores, and with the ambient air Entangling mix. As fuming vapours rise, And hang upon the gently purling brook, There by the incumbent atmosphere compressed, The panting chase grows warmer as he flies, _350 And through the net-work of the skin perspires; Leaves a long-streaming trail behind, which by The cooler air condensed, remains, unless By some rude storm dispersed, or rarefied By the meridian sun's intenser heat. To every shrub the warm effluvia cling, Hang on the grass, impregnate earth and skies. With nostrils opening wide, o'er hill, o'er dale, The vigorous hounds pursue, with every breath Inhale the grateful steam, quick pleasures sting _360 Their tingling nerves, while they their thanks repay, And in triumphant melody confess The titillating joy. Thus on the air Depend the hunter's hopes. When ruddy streaks At eve forebode a blustering stormy day, Or lowering clouds blacken the mountain's brow, When nipping frosts, and the keen biting blasts Of the dry parching east, menace the trees With tender blossoms teeming, kindly spare Thy sleeping pack, in their warm beds of straw _370 Low-sinking at their ease; listless they shrink Into some dark recess, nor hear thy voice Though oft invoked; or haply if thy call Rouse up the slumbering tribe, with heavy eyes Glazed, lifeless, dull, downward they drop their tails Inverted; high on their bent backs erect Their pointed bristles stare, or 'mong the tufts Of ranker weeds, each stomach-healing plant Curious they crop, sick, spiritless, forlorn. These inauspicious days, on other cares _380 Employ thy precious hours; the improving friend With open arms embrace, and from his lips Glean science, seasoned with good-natured wit. But if the inclement skies and angry Jove Forbid the pleasing intercourse, thy books Invite thy ready hand, each sacred page Rich with the wise remarks of heroes old. Converse familiar with the illustrious dead; With great examples of old Greece or Rome Enlarge thy free-born heart, and bless kind Heaven, _390 That Britain yet enjoys dear Liberty, That balm of life, that sweetest blessing, cheap Though purchased with our blood. Well-bred, polite, Credit thy calling. See! how mean, how low, The bookless sauntering youth, proud of the scut That dignifies his cap, his flourished belt, And rusty couples jingling by his side. Be thou of other mould; and know that such Transporting pleasures were by Heaven ordained Wisdom's relief, and Virtue's great reward. _400 * * * * * BOOK II. THE ARGUMENT.