Than was the Pigeon's and the Buzzard's love. The Panther asked, what concord there could be Betwixt two kinds whose natures disagree? The dame replied: 'Tis sung in every street, The common chat of gossips when they meet; But, since unheard by you, 'tis worth your while To take a wholesome tale, though told in homely style. A plain good man, whose name is understood,[233] (So few deserve the name of plain and good,) Of three fair lineal lordships stood possessed, And lived, as reason was, upon the best. Inured to hardships from his early youth, Much had he done and suffered for his truth: At land and sea, in many a doubtful fight, } Was never known a more adventurous knight, } Who oftener drew his sword, and always for the right.} As fortune would, (his fortune came, though late,) He took possession of his just estate; Nor racked his tenants with increase of rent, Nor lived too sparing, nor too largely spent, But overlooked his hinds; their pay was just, And ready, for he scorned 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 cowards arts of mean expedients try; } The noble mind will dare do any thing 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. 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. His house with all convenience was purveyed; The rest he found, but raised the fabric where he prayed;[234] And in that sacred place his beauteous wife Employed 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[235] 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; 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,}