As fortune would (his fortune came, though late) He took possession of his just estate: Nor rack'd his tenants with increase of rent; Nor lived too sparing, nor too largely spent; But overlook'd his hinds; their pay was just, 920 And ready, for he scorn'd to go on trust: Slow to resolve, but in performance quick; So true, that he was awkward at a trick. For little souls on little shifts rely, And coward arts of mean expedients try; The noble mind will dare do anything but lie. False friends, his deadliest foes, could find no way But shows of honest bluntness, to betray: That unsuspected plainness he believed; He looked into himself, and was deceived. 930 Some lucky planet sure attends his birth, Or Heaven would make a miracle on earth; For prosperous honesty is seldom seen To bear so dead a weight, and yet to win. It looks as fate with nature's law would strive, To show plain-dealing once an age may thrive: And, when so tough a frame she could not bend, Exceeded her commission to befriend. This grateful man, as Heaven increased his store. Gave God again, and daily fed his poor. 940 His house with all convenience was purvey'd; The rest he found, but raised the fabric where he pray'd; And in that sacred place his beauteous wife Employ'd her happiest hours of holy life. Nor did their alms extend to those alone, Whom common faith more strictly made their own; A sort of Doves[131] were housed too near their hall, Who cross the proverb, and abound with gall. Though some, 'tis true, are passively inclined, The greater part degenerate from their kind; 950 Voracious birds, that hotly bill and breed, And largely drink, because on salt they feed. Small gain from them their bounteous owner draws; Yet, bound by promise, he supports their cause, As corporations privileged by laws. That house which harbour to their kind affords, Was built, long since, God knows for better birds; But fluttering there, they nestle near the throne, And lodge in habitations not their own, By their high crops and corny gizzards known. 960 Like Harpies, they could scent a plenteous board, Then to be sure they never fail'd their lord: The rest was form, and bare attendance paid; They drank, and ate, and grudgingly obey'd. The more they fed, they raven'd still for more; They drain'd from Dan, and left Beersheba poor. All this they had by law, and none repined; The preference was but due to Levi's kind; But when some lay-preferment fell by chance, The gourmands made it their inheritance. 970 When once possess'd, they never quit their claim; For then 'tis sanctified to Heaven's high name; And, hallow'd thus, they cannot give consent, The gift should be profaned by worldly management.