第2章

Beholdtheoriginalandprimitivenobilityofallthosegreatpersonswhoaretooproudnownotonlytotilltheground,butalmosttotreaduponit。Wemaytalkwhatwepleaseofliliesandlionsrampant,andspreadeaglesinfieldsd’orord’argent;butifheraldrywereguidedbyreason,aploughinafieldarablewouldbethemostnobleandancientarms。

AlltheseconsiderationsmakemefallintothewonderandcomplaintofColumella,howitshouldcometopassthatallartsorSciences(forthedispute,whichisanartandwhichisascience,doesnotbelongtothecuriosityofushusbandmen),metaphysic,physic,morality,mathematics,logic,rhetoric,etc。,whichareall,I

grant,goodandusefulfaculties,exceptonlymetaphysic,whichIdonotknowwhetheritbeanythingorno,butevenvaulting,fencing,dancing,attiring,cookery,carving,andsuchlikevanities,shouldallhavepublicschoolsandmasters;andyetthatweshouldneverseeorhearofanymanwhotookuponhimtheprofessionofteachingthissopleasant,sovirtuous,soprofitable,sohonourable,sonecessaryart。

Amanwouldthink,whenhe’sinserioushumour,thatitwerebutavain,irrational,andridiculousthingforagreatcompanyofmenandwomentorunupanddowninaroomtogether,inahundredseveralposturesandfigures,tonopurpose,andwithnodesign;andthereforedancingwasinventedfirst,andonlypractisedanciently,intheceremoniesoftheheathenreligion,whichconsistedallinmummeryandmadness;thelatterbeingthechiefgloryoftheworship,andaccounteddivineinspiration。This,Isay,aseveremanwouldthink,thoughIdarenotdeterminesofaragainstsocustomaryapartnowofgoodbreeding。Andyet,whoisthereamongourgentrythatdoesnotentertainadancingmasterforhischildrenassoonastheyareabletowalk?Butdideveranyfatherprovideatutorforhissontoinstructhimbetimesinthenatureandimprovementsofthatlandwhichheintendedtoleavehim?Thatisatleastasuperfluity,andthisadefectinourmannerofeducation;andthereforeIcouldwish,butcannotinthesetimesmuchhopetoseeit,thatonecollegeineachuniversitywereerected,andappropriatedtothisstudy,aswellastherearetomedicineandthecivillaw。Therewouldbenoneedofmakingabodyofscholarsandfellows,withcertainendowments,asinothercolleges;itwouldsufficeif,afterthemannerofHallsinOxford,therewereonlyfourprofessorsconstituted(foritwouldbetoomuchworkforonlyonemaster,orPrincipal,astheycallhimthere)

toteachthesefourpartsofit。First,aration,andallthingsrelatingtoit。Secondly,pasturage;thirdly,gardens,orchards,vineyards,andwoods;fourthly,allpartsofruraleconomy,whichwouldcontainthegovernmentofbees,swine,poultry,decoys,ponds,etc。,andallthatwhichVarrocallsVillaticasPastiones,togetherwiththesportsofthefield,whichoughtnottobelookedupononlyaspleasures,butaspartsofhousekeeping,andthedomesticalconservationandusesofallthatisbroughtinbyindustryabroad。

Thebusinessoftheseprofessorsshouldnotbe,asiscommonlypractisedinotherarts,onlytoreadpompousandsuperficiallecturesoutofVirgil’sGeorgics,Pliny,Varro,orColumella,buttoinstructtheirpupilsinthewholemethodandcourseofthisstudy,whichmightberunthroughperhapswithdiligenceinayearortwo;andthecontinualsuccessionofscholarsuponamoderatetaxationfortheirdiet,lodging,andlearning,wouldbeasufficientconstantrevenueformaintenanceofthehouseandtheprofessors,whoshouldbemennotchosenfortheostentationofcriticalliterature,butforsolidandexperimentalknowledgeofthethingstheyteachsuchmen;soindustriousandpublicspiritedasI

conceiveMr。Hartlibtobe,ifthegentlemanbeyetalive。Butitisneedlesstospeakfurtherofmythoughtsofthisdesign,unlessthepresentdispositionoftheageallowedmoreprobabilityofbringingitintoexecution。WhatIhavefurthertosayofthecountrylifeshallbeborrowedfromthepoets,whowerealwaysthemostfaithfulandaffectionatefriendstoit。Poetrywasbornamongtheshepherds。

NescioquanatalesolumdulcedinemusasDucit,etimmemoresnonsinitessesui。

TheMusesstilllovetheirownnativeplace,’Thassecretcharmswhichnothingcandeface。

Thetruthis,nootherplaceisproperfortheirwork。Onemightaswellundertaketodanceinacrowd,astomakegoodversesinthemidstofnoiseandtumult。

Aswellmightcornasverseincitiesgrow;

Invainthethanklessglebeweploughandsow,Againstth’unnaturalsoilinvainwestrive,’Tisnotagroundinwhichtheseplantswillthrive。

Itwillbearnothingbutthenettlesorthornsofsatire,whichgrowmostnaturallyintheworstearth;andthereforealmostallpoets,exceptthosewhowerenotabletoeatbreadwithoutthebountyofgreatmen,thatis,withoutwhattheycouldgetbyflatteringofthem,havenotonlywithdrawnthemselvesfromthevicesandvanitiesofthegrandworld(paritervitiisquejocisquealtiushumanisexeruerecaput)intotheinnocenthappinessofaretiredlife;buthavecommendedandadornednothingsomuchbytheirever—livingpoems。Hesiodwasthefirstorsecondpoetintheworldthatremainsyetextant(ifHomer,assomethink,precededhim,butI

ratherbelievetheywerecontemporaries),andheisthefirstwriter,too,oftheartofhusbandry。Hehascontributed,saysColumella,notalittletoourprofession;Isupposehemeansnotalittlehonour,forthematterofhisinstructionsisnotveryimportant。Hisgreatantiquityisvisiblethroughthegravityandsimplicityofhisstyle。Themostacuteofallhissayingsconcernsourpurposeverymuch,andiscouchedinthereverendobscurityofanoracle。[Greektextwhichcannotbereproduced]。Thehalfismorethanthewhole。Theoccasionofthespeechisthis:hisbrotherPerseshadbycorruptingsomegreatmen([Greektextwhichcannotbereproduced],greatbribe—eatershecallsthem)gottenfromhimthehalfofhisestate。Itisnomatter,sayshe,theyhavenotdonemesomuchprejudiceastheyimagine。

[Greektextwhichcannotbereproduced——translationbelow]

UnhappytheytowhomGodhasnotrevealedByastronglightwhichmusttheirsensecontrol,Thathalfagreatestate’smorethanthewhole。

Unhappy,fromwhomstillconcealeddoeslieOfrootsandherbsthewholesomeluxury。

ThisIconceivetohavebeenhonestHesiod’smeaning。FromHomerwemustnotexpectmuchconcerningouraffairs。Hewasblind,andcouldneitherworkinthecountrynorenjoythepleasuresofit;hishelplesspovertywaslikeliesttobesustainedintherichestplaces,hewastodelighttheGrecianswithfinetalesofthewarsandadventuresoftheirancestors;hissubjectremovedhimfromallcommercewithus,andyet,methinks,hemadeashifttoshowhisgoodwillalittle。ForthoughhecoulddousnohonourinthepersonofhisheroUlysses(muchlessofAchilles),becausehiswholetimewasconsumedinwarsandvoyages,yethemakeshisfatherLaertesagardenerallthatwhile,andseekinghisconsolationfortheabsenceofhissoninthepleasureofplantingandevendunginghisowngrounds。Yet,see,hedidnotcontemnuspeasants;nay,sofarwashefromthatinsolence,thathealwaysstylesEumaeus,whokeptthehogswithwonderfulrespect,[Greektextwhichcannotbereproduced],thedivineswine—herd;hecouldhavedonenomoreforMenelausorAgamemnon。AndTheocritus(averyancientpoet,buthewasoneofourowntribe,forhewrotenothingbutpastorals)gavethesameepithettoahusbandman[Greektextwhichcannotbereproduced]。ThedivinehusbandmanrepliedtoHercules,whowasbut[Greektext]himself。ThesewerecivilGreeks,andwhounderstoodthedignityofourcalling。AmongtheRomans,wehaveinthefirstplaceourtrulydivineVirgil,who,thoughbythefavourofMaecenasandAugustushemighthavebeenoneofthechiefmenofRome,yetchoserathertoemploymuchofhistimeintheexercise,andmuchofhisimmortalwitinthepraiseandinstructionsofarusticlife;

who,thoughhehadwrittenbeforewholebooksofPastoralsandGeorgics,couldnotabstaininhisgreatandimperialpoemfromdescribingEvander,oneofhisbestprinces,aslivingjustafterthehomelymannerofanordinarycountryman。Heseatshiminathroneofmaple,andlayshimbutuponabear’sskin,thekineandoxenarelowinginhiscourtyard,thebirds’undertheeavesofhiswindowcallhimupinthemorning;andwhenhegoesabroadonlytwodogsgoalong,withhimforhisguard。Atlast,whenhebringsAEneasintohisroyalcottage,hemakeshimsaythismemorablecompliment,greaterthaneveryetwasspokenattheEscurial,theLouvre,orourWhitehall。

Haec,inquit,liminavictorAlcidessubiit,haecillumRegiacepit,Aude,Hospes,contemnereopes,ettequoquedignumFingeDeo,rebusqueveninonasperegenis。

Thishumbleroof,thisrusticcourt,saidhe,ReceivedAlcidescrownedwithvictory。

Scornnot,greatguest,thestepswherehehastrod,Butcontemnwealth,andimitateagod。

Thenextmanwhomwearemuchobligedto,bothforhisdoctrineandexample,isthenextbestpoetintheworldtoVirgil:hisdearfriendHorace,who,whenAugustushaddesiredMecaenastopersuadehimtocomeandlivedomesticallyandatthesametablewithhim,andtobeSecretaryofStateofthewholeworldunderhim,orratherjointlywithhim(forhesays,\"utnosinEpistolisscribendisadjuvet,\")couldnotbetemptedtoforsakehisSabineorTiburtineManor,forsorichandsogloriousatrouble。Therewasnever,I

think,suchanexampleasthisintheworld,thatheshouldhavesomuchmoderationandcourageastorefuseanofferofsuchgreatness,andtheEmperorsomuchgenerosityandgoodnatureasnottobeatalloffendedwithhisrefusal,buttoretainstillthesamekindness,andexpressitoftentohiminmostfriendlyandfamiliarletters,partofwhicharestillextant。IfIshouldproduceallthepassagesofthisexcellentauthorupontheseveralsubjectswhichItreatofinthisbook,Imustbeobligedtotranslatehalfhisworks;ofwhichImaysaymoretrulythan,inmyopinion,hedidofHomer,\"Quiquidsitpulchrum,quidturpe,quidutile,quidnon,plenius,etmeliusChrysippo,etCrantoredicit。\"Ishallcontentmyselfuponthisparticularthemewiththreeonly,oneoutofhisOdes,theotheroutofhisSatires,thethirdoutofhisEpistles,andshallforbeartocollectthesuffragesofallotherpoets,whichmaybefoundscatteredupanddownthroughalltheirwritings,andespeciallyinMartial’s。ButImustnotomittomakesomeexcusefortheboldundertakingofmyownunskilfulpenciluponthebeautiesofafacethathasbeendrawnbeforebysomanygreatmasters,especiallythatIshoulddaretodoitinLatinverses(thoughofanotherkind)andhavetheconfidencetotranslatethem。

IcanonlysaythatIlovethematter,andthatoughttocover,manyfaults;andthatIrunnottocontendwiththosebeforeme,butfollowtoapplaudthem。

VIRG。GEORG。—

Ofortunatusnimium,etc。

ATRANSLATIONOUTOFVIRGIL

Ohhappy(ifhishappinessheknows)

Thecountryswain,onwhomkindHeavenbestowsAthomeallrichesthatwiseNatureneeds;

Whomthejustearthwitheasyplentyfeeds。

’Tistrue,nomorningtideofclientscomes,Andfillsthepaintedchannelsofhisrooms,Adoringtherichfigures,astheypass,Intapestrywrought,orcutinlivingbrass;

NorishiswoolsuperfluouslydyedWiththedearpoisonofAssyrianpride:

NordoArabianperfumesvainlyspoilThenativeuseandsweetnessofhisoil。

Insteadofthese,hiscalmandharmlesslife,Freefromth’alarmsoffear,andstormsofstrife,Doeswithsubstantialblessednessabound,Andthesoftwingsofpeacecoverhimround:

Throughartlessgrotsthemurmuringwatersglide;

Thicktreesbothagainstheatandcoldprovide,Fromwhencethebirdssalutehim;andhisgroundWithlowingherds,andbleatingsheepdoessound;

Andalltherivers,andtheforestsnigh,Bothfoodandgameandexercisesupply。

Hereawell—hardened,activeyouthwesee,Taughtthegreatartofcheerfulpoverty。

Here,inthisplacealone,therestilldoshineSomestreaksoflove,bothhumananddivine;

FromhenceAstraeatookherflight,andhereStillherlastfootstepsuponearthappear。

’Tistrue,thefirstdesirewhichdoescontrolAlltheinferiorwheelsthatmovemysoul,Is,thattheMusemeherhighpriestwouldmake;

Intoherholiestscenesofmysterytake,Andopentheretomymind’spurgedeyeThosewonderswhichtosensethegodsdeny;

HowinthemoonsuchchanceofshapesisfoundThemoon,thechangingworld’seternalbound。

Whatshakesthesolidearth,whatstrongdiseaseDarestroublethefirmcentre’sancientease;

Whatmakesthesearetreat,andwhatadvance:

Varietiestooregularforchance。

Whatdrivesthechariotonofwinter’slight,Andstopsthelazywaggonofthenight。

ButifmydullandfrozenblooddenyTosendforthspiritsthatraiseasoulsohigh;

Inthenextplace,letwoodsandriversbeMyquiet,thoughunglorious,destiny。

Inlife’scoolvaleletmylowscenebelaid;

Coverme,gods,withTempe’sthickestshadeHappytheman,Igrant,thricehappyheWhocanthroughgrosseffectstheircausessee:

Whosecouragefromthedeepsofknowledgesprings。

Norvainlyfearsinevitablethings;

Butdoeshiswalkofvirtuecalmlygo,Throughallth’alarmsofdeathandhellbelow。

Happy!butnextsuchconquerors,happythey,Whosehumblelifeliesnotinfortune’sway。

TheyunconcernedfromtheirsafedistantseatBeholdtherodsandsceptresofthegreat。

Thequarrelsofthemighty,withoutfear,Andthedescentofforeigntroopstheyhear。

NorcanevenRometheirsteadycoursemisguide,Withallthelustreofherperishingpride。

ThemneveryetdidstrifeoravaricedrawIntothenoisymarketsofthelaw,Thecampsofgownedwar,nordotheyliveByrulesorformsthatmanymadmengive,Dutyfornature’sbountytheyrepay,Andhersolelawsreligiouslyobey。

Somewithboldlabourploughthefaithlessmain;

Somerougherstormsinprinces’courtssustain。

Someswelluptheirslightsailswithpopularfame,Charmedwiththefoolishwhistlingsofaname。

Sometheirvainwealthtoearthagaincommit;

Withendlesscaressomebroodingo’eritsit。

Countryandfriendsarebysomewretchessold,TolieonTyrianbedsanddrinkingold;

Nopricetoohighforprofitcanbeshown;

Notbrother’sblood,norhazardsoftheirown。

Aroundtheworldinsearchofittheyroam;

Itmakese’entheirAntipodestheirhome。

Meanwhile,theprudenthusbandmanisfoundInmutualdutiesstrivingwithhisground;

AndhalftheyearhecareofthatdoestakeThathalftheyeargratefulreturnsdoesmakeEachfertilemonthdoessomenewgiftspresent,Andwithnewworkhisindustrycontent:

Thistheyounglamb,thatthesoftfleecedothyield,Thisloadswithhay,andthatwithcornthefield:

Allsortsoffruitcrowntherichautumn’spride:

Andonaswellinghill’swarmstonyside,Thepowerfulprincelypurpleofthevine,Twicedyedwiththeredoubledsun,doesshine。

Inth’eveningtoafairensuingday,Withjoyheseeshisflocksandkidstoplay,Andloadedkineabouthiscottagestand,Invitingwithknownsoundthemilker’shand;

Andwhenfromwholesomelabourhedothcome,Withwishestobethere,andwishedforhome,Hemeetsatdoorthesoftesthumanblisses,Hischastewife’swelcome,anddearchildren’skisses。

WhenanyruralholydaysinviteHisgeniusforthtoinnocentdelight,Onearth’sfairbedbeneathsomesacredshade,Amidsthisequalfriendscarelesslylaid,Hesingsthee,Bacchus,patronofthevine,Thebeechenbowlfoamswithafloodofwine,Nottothelossofreasonorofstrength。

ToactivegamesandmanlysportatlengthTheirmirthascends,andwithfilledveinstheysee,Whocanthebestatbettertrialsbe。

SuchwasthelifetheprudentSabinechose,FromsuchtheoldEtrurianvirtuerose。

Such,Remusandthegodhisbrotherled,FromsuchfirmfootingRomegrewtheworld’shead。

SuchwasthelifethateventillnowdoesraiseThehonourofpoorSaturn’sgoldendays:

Beforemenbornofearthandburiedthere,Letintheseatheirmortalfatetoshare,Beforenewwaysofperishingweresought,Beforeunskilfuldeathonanvilswrought。

Beforethosebeastswhichhumanlifesustain,Bymen,unlesstothegods’use,wereslain。

HORAT。EPODON。

Beatusillequiprocul,etc。

HappytimemanwhombounteousgodsallowWithhisownhandpaternalgroundstoplough!

Likethefirstgoldenmortals,happyhe,Frombusinessandthecaresofmoneyfree!

Nohumanstormsbreakoffatlandhissleep,Noloudalarmsofnatureonthedeep。

Fromallthecheatsoflawhelivessecure,Nordoesth’affrontsofpalacesendure。

SometimesthebeauteousmarriageablevineHetothelustybridegroomelmdoesjoin;

Sometimeshelopsthebarrentreesaround,Andgraftsnewlifeintothefruitfulwound;

Sometimesheshearshisflock,andsometimesheStoresupthegoldentreasuresofthebee。

Heseeshislowingherdswalko’ertheplain,Whilstneighbouringhillslowbacktothemagain。

Andwhentheseason,richaswellasgay,Allherautumnalbountydoesdisplay,Howishepleas’dth’increasingusetoseeOfhiswelltrustedlaboursbendthetree;

Ofwhichlargeshares,onthegladsacreddays,Hegivestofriends,andtothegodsrepays。

Withhowmuchjoydoeshe,beneathsomeshadeByagedtrees,reverendembracesmade,Hiscarelessheadonthefreshgreenrecline,Hisheadunchargedwithfearorwithdesign。

Byhimariverconstantlycomplains,Thebirdsaboverejoicewithvariousstrains,AndinthesolemnscenetheirorgieskeepLikedreamsmixedwiththegravityofsleep,Sleepwhichdoesalwaysthereforentrancewait,Andnoughtwithinagainstitshutsthegate。

Nordoestheroughestseasonofthesky,OrsullenJove,allsportstohimdeny。

Herunsthemazesofthenimblehare,Hiswell—moutheddogs’gladconcertrendstheair,Orwithgamebolder,andrewardedmore,Hedrivesintoatoilthefoamingboar;

Herefliesthehawktoassault,andtherethenetTointerceptthetravellingfowlisset;

Andallhismalice,allhiscraftisshownIninnocentwars,onbeastsandbirdsalone。

Thisisthelifefromallmisfortunefree,Fromthee,thegreatone,tyrantlove,fromthee;

Andifachasteandcleanthoughhomelywife,Beaddedtotheblessingsofthislife,—

Suchastheancientsun—burntSabineswere,SuchasApulia,frugalstill,doesbear,—

WhomakesherchildrenandthehousehercareAndjoyfullytheworkoflifedoesshare;

NorthinksherselftoonobleortoofineTopinthesheepfoldortomilkthekine;

WhowaitsatdooragainstherhusbandcomeFromruralduties,late,andweariedhome,Whereshereceiveshimwithakindembrace,Acheerfulfire,andamorecheerfulface:

Andfillsthebowluptoherhomelylord,Andwithdomesticplentyloadtheboard。

Notallthelustfulshell—fishofthesea,Dressedbythewantonhandofluxury,NorortolansnorgodwitsnortherestOfcostlynamesthatglorifyafeast,AreattheprincelytablesbettercheerThanlambandkid,lettuceandolives,here。

THECOUNTRYMOUSE。

AParaphraseuponHorace,IIBook,Satirevi。

Atthelargefootofafairhollowtree,Closetoploughedground,seatedcommodiously,Hisancientandhereditaryhouse,Theredweltagoodsubstantialcountrymouse:

Frugal,andgrave,andcarefulofthemain,YetonewhooncedidnoblyentertainAcitymouse,wellcoated,sleek,andgay,Amouseofhighdegree,whichlosthisway,Wantonlywalkingforthtotaketheair,Andarrivedearly,andalightedthere,Foraday’slodging。Thegoodheartyhost(Theancientplentyofhishalltoboast)

Didallthestoresproducethatmightexcite,Withvarioustastes,thecourtier’sappetite。

Fitchesandbeans,peason,andoats,andwheat,Andalargechestnut,thedeliciousmeatWhichJovehimself,wereheamouse,wouldeat。

AndforahautgousttherewasmixedwiththeseTheswerdofbacon,andthecoatofcheese,Thepreciousrelics,whichatharvestheHadgatheredfromthereapers’luxury。

\"Freely,\"saidhe,\"fallon,andneverspare,Thebounteousgodswillforto—morrowcare。\"

Andthusateaseonbedsofstrawtheylay,Andtotheirgeniussacrificedtheday。

Yettheniceguest’sepicureanmind(Thoughbreedingmadehimcivilseem,andkind)

Despisedthiscountryfeast,andstillhisthoughtUponthecakesandpiesofLondonwrought。

\"Yourbountyandcivility,\"saidhe,\"WhichI’msurprisedintheserudepartstosee,ShowthatthegodshavegivenyouamindToonobleforthefatewhichhereyoufind。

Whyshouldasoul,sovirtuousandsogreat,Loseitselfthusinanobscureretreat?

Letsavagebeastslodgeinacountryden,Youshouldseetowns,andmannersknow,andmen;

Andtastethegenerousluxuryofthecourt,Whereallthemiceofqualityresort;

Wherethousandbeauteousshesaboutyoumove,Andbyhighfarearepliantmadetolove。

Weallerelongmustrenderupourbreath,Nocaveorholecanshelterusfromdeath。

Sincelifeissouncertainandsoshort,Let’sspenditallinfeastingandinsport。

Come,worthysir,comewithme,andpartakeAllthegreatthingsthatmortalshappymake。\"

Alas,whatvirtuehathsufficientarmsToopposebrighthonourandsoftpleasure’scharms?

Whatwisdomcantheirmagicforcerepel?

Itdrawsthereverendhermitfromhiscell。

Itwasthetime,whenwittypoetstell,ThatPhoebusintoThetis’bosomfell:

Sheblushedatfirst,andthenputoutthelight,Anddrewthemodestcurtainsofthenight。

Plainlythetruthtotell,thesunwasset,Whentothetownourweariedtravellersget。

Toalord’shouse,aslordlyascanbe,Madefortheuseofprideandluxury,Theysome;thegentlecourtieratthedoorStops,andwillhardlyenterinbefore;—

But’tis,sir,yourcommand,andbeingso,I’mswornt’obedience——andsointheygo。

Behindahanginginaspaciousroom(TherichestworkofMortlake’snobleloom)

Theywaitawhiletheirweariedlimbstorest,Tillsilenceshouldinvitethemtotheirfeast,AboutthehourthatCynthia’ssilverlightHadtouchedthepalemeridiesofthenight,Atlast,thevarioussupperbeingdone,IthappenedthatthecompanywasgoneIntoaroomremote,servantsandall,Topleasetheirnoblefancieswithaball。

Ourhostleadsforthhisstranger,anddoesfindAllfittedtothebountiesofhismind。

Stillonthetablehalf—filleddishesstood,Andwithdeliciousbitsthefloorwasstrewed;

Thecourteousmousepresentshimwiththebest,Andbothwithfatvarietiesareblest。

Theindustriouspeasanteverywheredoesrange,Andthanksthegodsforhislife’shappychange。

Lo,inthemidstofawell—freightedpieTheybothatlastgluttedandwantonlie,Whenseethesadreverseofprosperousfate,Andwhatfiercestormsonmortalglorieswait!

Withhideousnoise,downtherudeservantscome,Sixdogsbeforerunbarkingintoth’room;

Thewretchedgluttonsflywithwildaffright,Andhatethefulnesswhichretardstheirflight。

Ourtremblingpeasantwishesnowinvain。

Thatrocksandmountainscoveredhimagain。

Oh,howthechangeofhispoorlife,hecursed!

\"This,ofalllives,\"saidhe,\"issuretheworst。

Givemeagain,yegods,mycaveandwood;

Withpeace,lettaresandacornsbemyfood。\"

AParaphraseupontheEightiethEpistleoftheFirstBookofHorace。

HORACETOFUSCUSARISTIUS。

Health,fromtheloverofthecountry,me,Health,totheloverofthecity,thee,Adifferenceinoursouls,thisonlyproves,Inallthingselse,weagreelikemarrieddoves。

ButthewarmnestandcrowdeddovehousethouDostlike;Ilooselyflyfromboughtobough;

Andriversdrink,andalltheshiningday,UponfairtreesormossyrocksIplay;

Infine,IliveandreignwhenIretireFromallthatyouequalwithheavenadmire。

Likeoneatlastfromthepriest’sservicefled,Loathingthehoniedcakes,Ilongforbread。

WouldIahouseforhappinesserect,Naturealoneshouldbethearchitect。

She’dbuilditmoreconvenientthangreat,Anddoubtlessinthecountrychooseherseat。

IsthereaplacedothbetterhelpssupplyAgainstthewoundsofwinter’scruelty?

IsthereanairthatgentlerdoesassuageThemadcelestialdog’sorlion’srage?

Isitnottherethatsleep(andonlythere)

Nornoisewithout,norcareswithindoesfear?

DoesartthroughpipesapurerwaterbringThanthatwhichnaturestrainsintoaspring?

Canallyourtapestries,oryourpictures,showMorebeautiesthaninherbsandflowersdogrow?

Fountainsandtreesourweariedpridedoplease,Eveninthemidstofgildedpalaces。

AndinyourtownsthatprospectgivesdelightWhichopensroundthecountrytooursight。

Mentothegood,fromwhichtheyrashlyfly,Returnatlast,andtheirwildluxuryDoesbutinvainwiththosetruejoyscontendWhichnaturedidtomankindrecommend。

Themanwhochangesgoldforburnishedbrass,Orsmallrightgemsforlargeronesofglass,Isnot,atlength,morecertaintobemadeRidiculousandwretchedbythetrade,ThanhewhosellsasolidgoodtobuyThepaintedgoodsofprideandvanity。

Ifthoubewise,nogloriousfortunechoose,Which’tisbutpaintokeep,yetgrieftolose。

Forwhenweplaceeventriflesintheheart,Withtriflestoounwillinglywepart。

Anhumbleroof,plainbed,andhomelyboard,Moreclear,untaintedpleasuresdoaffordThanallthetumultofvaingreatnessbringsTokings,ortothefavouritesofkings。

Thehorneddeer,bynaturearmedsowell,Didwiththehorseincommonpasturedwell;

Andwhentheyfought,thefielditalwayswon,Tilltheambitioushorsebeggedhelpofman,Andtookthebridle,andthenceforthdidreignBravelyalone,aslordofalltheplain:

ButneveraftercouldtheridergetFromoffhisback,orfromhismouththebit。

Sothey,whopovertytoomuchdofear,Toavoidthatweight,agreaterburdenbear;

Thattheymightpowerabovetheirequalshave,Tocruelmasterstheythemselvesenslave。

Forgold,theirlibertyexchangedwesee,Thatfairestflowerwhichcrownshumanity。

Andallthismischiefdoesuponthemlight,OnlybecausetheyknownothowarightThatgreat,butsecret,happinesstoprize,That’slaidupinalittle,forthewise:

ThatisthebestandeasiestestateWhichtoamansitsclose,butnottoostrait。

’Tislikeashoe:itpinches,anditburns,Toonarrow;andtoolargeitoverturns。

Mydearestfriend,stopthydesiresatlast,Andcheerfullyenjoythewealththouhast。

And,ifmestillseekingformoreyousee,Chideandreproach,despiseandlaughatme。

Moneywasmade,nottocommandourwill,Butallourlawfulpleasurestofulfil。

Shameandwoetous,ifweourwealthobey;

Thehorsedothwiththehorsemanrunaway。

THECOUNTRYLIFE。

Libr。4,Plantarum。

Blestbetheman(andblestheis)whome’er(Placedfaroutoftheroadsofhopeorfear)

Alittlefieldandlittlegardenfeeds;

Thefieldgivesallthatfrugalnatureneeds,ThewealthygardenliberallybestowsAllshecanask,whensheluxuriousgrows。

Thespeciousinconveniences,thatwaitUponalifeofbusinessandofstate,Hesees(nordoesthesightdisturbhisrest)

Byfoolsdesired,bywickedmenpossessed。

Thus,thus(andthisdeservedgreatVirgil’spraise)

TheoldCorycianyeomanpassedhisdays,ThushiswiselifeAbdolonymusspent:

TheambassadorswhichthegreatemperorsentToofferhimacrown,withwonderfoundThereverendgardenerhoeingofhisground;

Unwillinglyandslow,anddiscontent,Fromhislovedcottagetoathronehewent。

Andofthestoppedinhistriumphantway,Andoftlookedback,andoftwasheardtosay,Notwithoutsighs,\"Alas!IthereforsakeAhappierkingdomthanIgototake。\"

ThusAglaus(amanunknowntomen,Butthegodsknew,andthereforelovedhimthen)

Thuslivedobscurelythenwithoutaname,Aglaus,nowconsignedtoeternalfame。

ForGyges,therichking,wickedandgreat,PresumedatwiseApollo’sDelphicseat,Presumedtoask,\"Othou,thewholeworld’seye,SeestthouamanthathappieristhanI?\"

Thegod,whoscornedtoflatterman,replied,\"Aglaushappieris。\"ButGygescried,Inaproudrage,\"WhocanthatAglausbe?

Wehaveheardasyetofnosuchkingashe。\"

Andtrueitwas,throughthewholeeartharoundNokingofsuchanamewastobefound。

\"Issomeoldheroofthatnamealive,Whohishighracedoesfromthegodsderive?

IsitsomemightygeneralthathasdoneWondersinfight,andgod—likehonourswon?

Isitsomemanofendlesswealth?\"saidhe;

\"None,noneofthese:whocanthisAglausbe?\"

Afterlongsearch,andvaininquiriespassed,InanobscureArcadianvaleatlast(TheArcadianlifehasalwaysshadybeen)

NearSopho’stown(whichhebutoncehadseen)

ThisAglaus,whomonarchs’envydrew,Whosehappinessthegodsstoodwitnessto,ThismightyAglauswaslabouringfound,Withhisownhands,inhisownlittleground。

So,graciousGod(ifitmaylawfulbe,AmongthosefoolishgodstomentionThee),Soletmeact,onsuchaprivatestage,Thelastdullscenesofmydecliningage;

Afterlongtoilsandvoyagesinvain,Thisquietportletmytossedvesselgain;

Ofheavenlyrestthisearnesttomelend,Letmylifesleep,andlearntoloveherend。

THEGARDEN

ToJ。Evelyn,Esquire。

Ineverhadanyotherdesiresostrong,andsoliketocovetousness,asthatonewhichIhavehadalways,thatImightbemasteratlastofasmallhouseandlargegarden,withverymoderateconveniencesjoinedtothem,andtherededicatetheremainderofmylifeonlytothecultureofthemandthestudyofnature。

Andthere(withnodesignbeyondmywall)wholeandentiretolie,Innounactiveease,andnoungloriouspoverty。

Or,asVirgilhassaid,shorterandbetterforme,thatImighttherestudiisflorereignobilisotii,thoughIcouldwishthathehadrathersaidNobilisotiiwhenhespokeofhisown。Butseveralaccidentsofmyillfortunehavedisappointedmehitherto,anddostill,ofthatfelicity;forthoughIhavemadethefirstandhardeststeptoit,byabandoningallambitionsandhopesinthisworld,andbyretiringfromthenoiseofallbusinessandalmostcompany,yetIstickstillintheinnofahiredhouseandgarden,amongweedsandrubbish,andwithoutthatpleasantestworkofhumanindustry——theimprovementofsomethingwhichwecall(notveryproperly,butyetwecall)ourown。IamgoneoutfromSodom,butI

amnotarrivedatmylittleZoar。\"Oh,letmeescapethither(isitnotalittleone!),andmysoulshalllive。\"Idonotlookbackyet;butIhavebeenforcedtostopandmaketoomanyhalts。Youmaywonder,sir(forthisseemsalittletooextravagantandPindaricalforprose)whatImeanbyallthispreface。Itistoletyouknow,thatthoughIhavemissed,likeachemist,mygreatend,yetIaccountmyafflictionsandendeavourswellrewardedbysomethingthatIhavemetwithby—the—by,whichis,thattheyhaveproducedtomesomepartinyourkindnessandesteem;andtherebythehonourofhavingmynamesoadvantageouslyrecommendedtoposteritybytheepistleyouarepleasedtoprefixtothemostusefulbookthathasbeenwritteninthatkind,andwhichistolastaslongasmonthsandyears。

Amongmanyotherartsandexcellencieswhichyouenjoy,Iamgladtofindthisfavouriteofminethemostpredominant,thatyouchoosethisforyourwife,thoughyouhavehundredsofotherartsforyourconcubines;thoughyouknowthem,andbegetsonsuponthemall(towhichyouarerichenoughtoallowgreatlegacies),yettheissueofthisseemstobedesignedbyyoutothemainoftheestate;youhavetakenmostpleasureinit,andbestowedmostchargesuponitseducation,andIdoubtnottoseethatbookwhichyouarepleasedtopromisetotheworld,andofwhichyouhavegivenusalargeearnestinyourcalendar,asaccomplishedasanythingcanbeexpectedfromanextraordinarywitandnoordinaryexpensesandalongexperience。

Iknownobodythatpossessesmoreprivatehappinessthanyoudoinyourgarden,andyetnomanwhomakeshishappinessmorepublicbyafreecommunicationoftheartandknowledgeofittoothers。AllthatImyselfamableyettodoisonlytorecommendtomankindthesearchofthatfelicitywhichyouinstructthemhowtofindandtoenjoy。

I。

HappyartthouwhomGoddoesblessWiththefullchoiceofthineownhappiness;

Andhappieryet,becausethou’rtblessedWithprudencehowtochoosethebest。

Inbooksandgardensthouhastplacedaright,—

Thingswhichthouwelldostunderstand,Andbothdostmakewiththylaborioushand—

Thynoble,innocentdelight,Andinthyvirtuouswife,wherethouagaindostmeetBothpleasuresmorerefinedandsweet:

Thefairestgardeninherlooks,Andinhermindthewisestbooks。

Oh!whowouldchangethesesoft,yetsolidjoys,Foremptyshowsandsenselessnoise,Andallwhichrankambitionbreeds,Whichseemsuchbeauteousflowers,andaresuchpoisonousweeds!

II。

WhenGoddidmantohisownlikenessmake,Asmuchasclay,thoughofthepurestkindBytheGreatPotter’sartrefined,CouldtheDivineimpressiontake,HethoughtitfittoplacehimwhereAkindofheaven,too,didappear,Asfarasearthcouldsuchalikenessbear。

ThatMannohappinessmightwant,Whichearthtoherfirstmastercouldafford,HedidagardenforhimplantBythequickhandofhisomnipotentword,Asthechiefhelpandjoyofhumanlife,Hegavehimthefirstgift;first,even,beforeawife。

III。

ForGod,theuniversalarchitect,’ThadbeenaseasytoerectALouvre,orEscurial,oratowerThatmightwithheavencommunicationhold,AsBabelvainlythoughttodoofold。

Hewantednottheskillorpower,Intheworld’sfabricthosewereshown,Andthematerialswereallhisown。

ButwellheknewwhatplacewouldbestagreeWithinnocenceandwithfelicity;

Andweelsewherestillseekfortheminvain。

Ifanypartofeitheryetremain,Ifanypartofeitherweexpect,Thismayourjudgmentinthesearchdirect;

Godthefirstgardenmade,andthefirstcity,Cain。

IV。

Oh,blessedshades!Oh,gentle,coolretreatFromalltheimmoderateheat,Inwhichthefranticworlddoesburnandsweat!

Thisdoesthelion—star,Ambition’srage;

ThisAvarice,thedog—star’sthirstassuage;

Everywhereelsetheirfatalpowerwesee,Theymakeandruleman’swretcheddestiny;

Theyneithersetnordisappear,Buttyranniseo’eralltheyear;

Whilstwene’erfeeltheirflameorinfluencehere。

Thebirdsthatdancefromboughtobough,Andsingaboveineverytree,Arenotfromfearsandcaresmorefree,Thanwewholie,orsit,orwalkbelow,Andshouldbyrightbesingerstoo。

Whatprince’schoirofmusiccanexcelThatwhichwithinthisshadedoesdwell,Towhichwenothingpayorgive—

They,likeallotherpoets,liveWithoutrewardorthanksfortheirobligingpains。

’Tiswelliftheybecomenotprey。

Thewhistlingwindsaddtheirlessartfulstrains,Andagravebasethemurmuringfountainsplay。

Naturedoesallthisharmonybestow;

Buttoourplants,art’smusictoo,Thepipe,theorbo,andguitarweowe;

Theluteitself,whichoncewasgreenandmute,WhenOrpheusstrucktheinspiredlute,Thetreesdancedround,andunderstoodBysympathythevoiceofwood。

V。

Thesearethespellsthattokindsleepinvite,Andnothingdoeswithinresistancemake;

Whichyetwemoderatelytake;

Whowouldnotchoosetobeawake,Whilehe’sencompassedroundwithsuchdelight;

Totheear,thenose,thetouch,thetasteandsight?

WhenVenuswouldherdearAscaniuskeepAprisonerinthedownybandsofsleep,Sheodorousherbsandflowersbeneathhimspread,Asthemostsoftandsweetestbed;

Notherownlapwouldmorehavecharmedhishead。

WhothathasreasonandhissmellWouldnotamongrosesandjasminedwell,Ratherthanallhisspiritschoke,Withexhalationsofdirtandsmoke,AndalltheuncleannesswhichdoesdrownInpestilentialcloudsapopuloustown?

Theearthitselfbreathesbetterperfumeshere,Thanallthefemalemenorwomenthere,Notwithoutcause,aboutthembear。

VI。

WhenEpicurustotheworldhadtaughtThatpleasurewasthechiefestgood,(Andwasperhapsi’th’right,ifrightlyunderstood)

Hislifehetohisdoctrinebrought,Andinagarden’sshadethatsovereignpleasuresought。

Whoeveratrueepicurewouldbe,Maytherefindcheapandvirtuousluxury。

Vitelliushistable,whichdidholdAsmanycreaturesastheArkofold,Thatfiscaltable,towhicheverydayAllcountriesdidaconstanttributepay,CouldnothingmoredeliciousaffordThanNature’sliberality,Helpedwithalittleartandindustry,Allowsthemeanestgardener’sboard。

ThewantontastenofishorfowlcanchooseForwhichthegrapeormelonshewouldlose,ThoughalltheinhabitantsofseaandairBelistedintheglutton’sbilloffare;

YetstillthefruitsofearthweseePlacedthethirdstoreyhighinallherluxury。

VII。

Butwithnosensethegardendoescomply,Nonecourtsorflatters,asitdoestheeye;

WhenthegreatHebrewkingdidalmoststrainThewondroustreasuresofhiswealthandbrainHisroyalsouthernguesttoentertain,Though,sheonsilverfloorsdidtread,WithbrightAssyriancarpetsonthemspreadTohidethemetal’spoverty;

Thoughshelookeduptoroofsofgold,AndnoughtaroundhercouldbeholdButsilkandrichembroidery,AndBabyloniantapestry,AndwealthyHiram’sprincelydye:

ThoughOphir’sstarrystonesmeteverywherehereye;

ThoughsheherselfandhergayhostweredressedWithalltheshininggloriesoftheEast;

Whenlavisharthercostlyworkhaddone;

ThehonourandtheprizeofbraveryWasbytheGardenfromthePalacewon;

AndeveryroseandlilytheredidstandBetterattiredbyNature’shand:

Thecasethusjudgedagainstthekingwesee,Byonethatwouldnotbesorich,thoughwiserfarthanhe。

VIII。

NordoesthishappyplaceonlydispenseSuchvariouspleasurestothesense:

Herehealthitselfdoeslive,Thatsaltoflife,whichdoestoallarelishgive,Itsstandingpleasure,andintrinsicwealth,Thebody’svirtue,andthesoul’sgoodfortune,health。

Thetreelife,whenitinEdenstood,Diditsimmortalheadtoheavenrear;

Itlastedatallcedartilltheflood;

Nowasmallthornyshrubitdoesappear;

Norwillitthrivetooeverywhere:

Italwayshereisfreshestseen,’Tisonlyhereanevergreen。

IfthroughthestrongandbeauteousfenceOftemperanceandinnocence,Andwholesomelaboursandaquietmind,Anydiseasespassagefind,TheymustnotthinkheretoassailAlandunarmed,orwithoutaguard;

Theymustfightforit,anddisputeithard,Beforetheycanprevail。

ScarceanyplantisgrowinghereWhichagainstdeathsomeweapondoesnotbear,LetcitiesboastthattheyprovideForlifetheornamentsofpride;

But’tisthecountryandthefieldThatfurnishitwithstaffandshield。

IX。

WheredoesthewisdomandthepowerdivineInamorebrightandsweetreflectionshine?

WheredowefinerstrokesandcoloursseeOftheCreator’srealpoetry,ThanwhenwewithattentionlookUponthethirdday’svolumeofthebook?

Ifwecouldopenandintendoureye,WealllikeMosesshouldespyEveninabushtheradiantDeity。

ButwedespisethesehisinferiorwaysThoughnolessfullofmiracleandpraise;

Upontheflowersofheavenwegaze,Thestarsofearthnowonderinusraise,ThoughtheseperhapsdomorethantheyThelifeofmankindsway。

AlthoughnopartofmightyNaturebeMorestoredwithbeauty,power,andmystery,Yettoencouragehumanindustry,GodhassoorderedthatnootherpartSuchspaceandsuchdominionleavesforart。

X。

Wenowhereartdosotriumphantsee,Aswhenitgraftsorbudsthetree;

Inotherthingswecountittoexcel,IfitadocilescholarcanappearToNature,andbutimitateherwell:

Itover—rules,andishermasterhere。

ItimitatesherMaker’spowerdivine,Andchangeshersometimes,andsometimesdoesrefine:

Itdoes,likegrace,thefallen—treerestoreToitsbleststateofParadisebefore:

WhowouldnotjoytoseehisconqueringhandO’erallthevegetableworldcommand,AndthewildgiantsofthewoodreceiveWhatlawshe’spleasedtogive?

Hebidstheill—naturedcrabproduceThegentlerapple’swinyjuice,Thegoldenfruitthatworthyis,OfGalatea’spurplekiss;

HedoesthesavagehawthornteachTobearthemedlarandthepear;

HebidstherusticplumtorearAnobletrunk,andbeapeach。

EvenDaphne’scoynesshedoesmock,Andwedsthecherrytoherstock,ThoughsherefusedApollo’ssuit,Evenshe,thatchasteandvirgintree,NowwondersatherselftoseeThatshe’samothermade,andblushesinherfruit。

XI。

MethinksIseegreatDiocletianwalkIntheSaloniangarden’snobleshade,Whichbyhisownimperialhandswasmade:

Iseehimsmile,methinks,ashedoestalkWiththeambassadors,whocomeinvain,Toenticehimtoathroneagain。

\"IfI,myfriends,\"saidhe,\"shouldtoyoushowAllthedelightswhichinthesegardensgrow;

’Tislikeliermuchthatyoushouldwithmestay,Than’tisthatyoushouldcarrymeaway;

Andtrustmenot,myfriends,ifeverydayIwalknotherewithmoredelight,Thanever,afterthemosthappyfight,IntriumphtotheCapitolIrode,Tothankthegods,andtobethoughtmyselfalmostagod。

OFGREATNESS。

Sincewecannotattaintogreatness,saystheSieurdeMontaigne,letushaveourrevengebyrailingatit;thishespokebutinjest。

IbelievehedesireditnomorethanIdo,andhadlessreason,forheenjoyedsoplentifulandhonourableafortuneinamostexcellentcountry,asallowedhimalltherealconveniencesofit,separatedandpurgedfromtheincommodities。IfIwerebutinhiscondition,Ishouldthinkithardmeasure,withoutbeingconvincedofanycrime,tobesequesteredfromitandmadeoneoftheprincipalofficersofstate。ButthereadermaythinkthatwhatInowsayisofsmallauthority,becauseIneverwas,norevershallbe,puttothetrial;Icanthereforeonlymakemyprotestation。

IfeverImorerichesdiddesireThancleanlinessandquietdorequire;

Ife’erambitiondidmyfancycheat,Withanywishsomeanastobegreat,Continue,Heaven,stillfrommetoremoveThehumbleblessingsofthatlifeIlove。

Iknowverymanymenwilldespise,andsomepityme,forthishumour,asapoor—spiritedfellow;butIamcontent,and,likeHorace,thankGodforbeingso。Diibenefeceruntinopisme,quodquepusillifinxeruntanimi。IconfessIlovelittlenessalmostinallthings。Alittleconvenientestate,alittlecheerfulhouse,alittlecompany,andaverylittlefeast;andifIwereevertofallinloveagain(whichisagreatpassion,andthereforeIhopeI

havedonewithit)itwouldbe,Ithink,withprettinessratherthanwithmajesticalbeauty。Iwouldneitherwishthatmymistress,normyfortune,shouldbeabonaroba,nor,asHomerusedtodescribehisbeauties,likeadaughterofgreatJupiter,forthestatelinessandlargenessofherperson,but,asLucretiussays,\"Parvula,pumilio,[Greektextwhichcannotbereproduced],totamerumsal。\"

Wherethereisonemanofthis,IbelievethereareathousandofSenecio’smind,whoseridiculousaffectationofgrandeurSenecatheelderdescribestothiseffect。Seneciowasamanofaturbidandconfusedwit,whocouldnotenduretospeakanybutmightywordsandsentences,tillthishumourgrewatlastintosonotoriousahabit,orratherdisease,asbecamethesportofthewholetown:hewouldhavenoservantsbuthugemassyfellows,noplateorhouseholdstuffbutthriceasbigasthefashion;youmaybelieveme,forIspeakitwithoutraillery,hisextravagancycameatlastintosuchamadnessthathewouldnotputonapairofshoeseachofwhichwasnotbigenoughforbothhisfeet;hewouldeatnothingbutwhatwasgreat,nortouchanyfruitbuthorse—plumsandpound—pears。Hekeptaconcubinethatwasaverygiantess,andmadeherwalk,too,alwaysinachiopins,tillatlasthegotthesurnameofSenecioGrandio,which,Messalasaid,wasnothiscognomen,buthiscognomentum。

WhenhedeclaimedforthethreehundredLacedaemonians,whoalsoopposedXerxes’armyofabovethreehundredthousand,hestretchedouthisarmsandstoodontiptoes,thathemightappearthetaller,andcriedoutinaveryloudvoice,\"Irejoice,Irejoice!\"Wewondered,Iremember,whatnewgreatfortunehadbefallenhiseminence。\"Xerxes,\"sayshe,\"isallmineown。Hewhotookawaythesightoftheseawiththecanvasveilsofsomanyships……\"

andthenhegoesonso,asIknownotwhattomakeoftherest,whetheritbethefaultoftheedition,ortheorator’sownburlywayofnonsense。

ThisisthecharacterthatSenecagivesofthishyperbolicalfop,whomwestandamazedat,andyetthereareveryfewmenwhoarenot,insomethings,andtosomedegree,grandios。Isanythingmorecommonthantoseeourladiesofqualitywearsuchhighshoesastheycannotwalkinwithoutonetoleadthem?andagownaslongagainastheirbody,sothattheycannotstirtothenextroomwithoutapageortwotoholditup?Imaysafelysaythatalltheostentationofourgrandeesisjustlikeatrain,ofnouseintheworld,buthorriblycumbersomeandincommodious。Whatisallthisbutspiceofgrandio?Howtediouswouldthisbeifwewerealwaysboundtoit?Idobelievethereisnokingwhowouldnotratherbedeposedthanendureeverydayofhisreignalltheceremoniesofhiscoronation。Themightiestprincesaregladtoflyoftenfromthesemajesticpleasures(whichis,methinks,nosmalldisparagementtothem),asitwereforrefuge,tothemostcontemptibledivertisementsandmeanestrecreationsofthevulgar,nay,evenofchildren。Oneofthemostpowerfulandfortunateprincesoftheworldoflate,couldfindoutnodelightsosatisfactoryasthekeepingoflittlesingingbirds,andhearingofthemandwhistlingtothem。Whatdidtheemperorsofthewholeworld?Ifeveranymenhadthefreeandfullenjoymentofallhumangreatness(nay,thatwouldnotsuffice,fortheywouldbegodstoo)theycertainlypossessedit;andyetoneofthem,whostyledhimself\"LordandGodoftheEarth,\"couldnottellhowtopasshiswholedaypleasantly,withoutspendingconstanttwoorthreehoursincatchingofflies,andkillingthemwithabodkin,asifhisgodshiphadbeenBeelzebub。Oneofhispredecessors,Nero(whoneverputanybounds,normetwithanystoptohisappetite),coulddiverthimselfwithnopastimemoreagreeablethantorunaboutthestreetsallnightinadisguise,andabusethewomenandaffrontthemenwhomhemet,andsometimestobeatthem,andsometimestobebeatenbythem。Thiswasoneofhisimperialnocturnalpleasures;hischiefestinthedaywastosingandplayuponafiddle,inthehabitofaminstrel,uponthepublicstage;hewasprouderofthegarlandsthatweregiventohisdivinevoice(astheycalleditthen)inthosekindofprizes,thanallhisforefatherswereoftheirtriumphsovernations。Hedidnotathisdeathcomplainthatsomightyanemperor,andthelastofalltheCaesarianraceofdeities,shouldbebroughttososhamefulandmiserableanend,butonlycriedout,\"Alas!whatpityitisthatsoexcellentamusicianshouldperishinthismanner!\"

HisuncleClaudiusspenthalfhistimeatplayingatdice;thatwasthemainfruitofhissovereignty。IomitthemadnessesofCaligula’sdelights,andtheexecrablesordidnessofthoseofTiberius。WouldonethinkthatAugustushimself,thehighestandmostfortunateofmankind,apersonendowedtoowithmanyexcellentpartsofnature,shouldbesohardputtoitsometimesforwantofrecreations,astobefoundplayingatnutsandbounding—stoneswithlittleSyrianandMoorishboys,whosecompanyhetookdelightin,fortheirpratingandtheirwantonness?

Wasitforthis,thatRome’sbestbloodhespilt,Withsomuchfalsehood,somuchguilt?

WasitforthisthathisambitionstroveToequalCaesarfirst,andafterJove?

Greatnessisbarrensureofsolidjoys;

Hermerchandise,Ifear,isallintoys;

Shecouldnotelsesuresouncivilbe,Totreathisuniversalmajesty,HisnewcreatedDeity,Withnutsandbounding—stonesandboys。

Butwemustexcuseherforthismeagreentertainment;shehasnotreallywherewithaltomakesuchfeastsasweimagine;herguestsmustbecontentedsometimeswithbutslendercates,andwiththesamecoldmeatsservedoverandoveragain,eventilltheybecomenauseous。Whenyouhaveparedawayallthevanity,whatsolidandnaturalcontentmentdoesthereremainwhichmaynotbehadwithfivehundredpoundsayear?notsomanyservantsorhorses,butafewgoodones,whichwilldoallthebusinessaswell;notsomanychoicedishesateverymeal;butatseveralmealsallofthem,whichmakesthemboththemorehealthyanddinemorepleasant;notsorichgarmentsnorsofrequentchanges,butaswarmandascomely,andsofrequentchange,too,asiseveryjotasgoodforthemaster,thoughnotforthetailororvalet—de—chambre;notsuchastatelypalace,norgiltrooms,northecostliersortsoftapestry,butaconvenientbrickhouse,withdecentwainscotandprettyforest—workhangings。

Lastly(forIomitallotherparticulars,andwillendwiththatwhichIlovemostinbothconditions),notwholewoodscutinwalks,norvastparks,norfountainorcascadegardens,butherbandflowerandfruitgardens,whicharemoreuseful,andthewatereverywhitasclearandwholesomeasifitdartedfromthebreastsofamarblenymphortheurnofariver—god。Ifforallthisyoulikebetterthesubstanceofthatformerestateoflife,dobutconsidertheinseparableaccidentsofboth:servitude,disquiet,danger,andmostcommonlyguilt,inherentintheone;intheother,liberty,tranquillity,security,andinnocence:andwhenyouhavethoughtuponthis,youwillconfessthattobeatruthwhichappearedtoyoubeforebutaridiculousparadox,thatalowfortuneisbetterguardedandattendedthanahighone。Ifindeed,welookonlyupontheflourishingheadofthetree,itappearsamostbeautifulobject。

—SedquantumverticeadaurasAEtherias,tantumradiceadTartaratendit。

Asfaruptowardsheaventhebranchesgrow,Sofartherootsinksdowntohellbelow。

Anotherhorribledisgracetogreatnessis,thatitisforthemostpartinpitifulwantanddistress。Whatawonderfulthingisthis,unlessitdegenerateintoavarice,andsoceasetobegreatness。Itfallsperpetuallyintosuchnecessitiesasdriveitintoallthemeanestandmostsordidwaysofborrowing,cozenage,androbbery,Mancipiislocopules,egetarisCappadocumRex。Thisisthecaseofalmostallgreatmen,aswellasofthepoorKingofCappadocia。

Theyaboundwithslaves,butareindigentofmoney。TheancientRomanemperors,whohadtherichesofthewholeworldfortheirrevenue,hadwherewithaltolive,onewouldhavethought,prettywellatease,andtohavebeenexemptfromthepressuresofextremepoverty。Butyetwithmostofthemitwasmuchotherwise,andtheyfellperpetuallyintosuchmiserablepenury,thattheywereforcedtodevourorsqueezemostoftheirfriendsandservants,tocheatwithinfamousprojects,toransackandpillagealltheirprovinces。

Thisfashionofimperialgrandeurisimitatedbyallinferiorandsubordinatesortsofit,asifitwereapointofhonour。Theymustbecheatedofathirdpartoftheirestates,twootherthirdstheymustexpendinvanity,sothattheyremaindebtorsforallthenecessaryprovisionsoflife,andhavenowaytosatisfythosedebtsbutoutofthesuccoursandsuppliesofrapine;\"asrichesincrease,\"saysSolomon,\"sodothemouthsthatdevourit。\"Themastermouthhasnomorethanbefore;theowner,methinks,islikeGenusinthefable,whoisperpetuallywindingaropeofhayandanassattheendperpetuallyeatingit。Outoftheseinconveniencesarisesnaturallyonemore,whichis,thatnogreatnesscanbesatisfiedorcontentedwithitself:still,ifitcouldmountupalittlehigher,itwouldbehappy;ifitcouldbutgainthatpoint,itwouldobtainallitsdesires;butyetatlast,whenitisgotuptotheverytopofthepeakofTeneriffe,itisinverygreatdangerofbreakingitsneckdownwards,butinnopossibilityofascendingupwardsintotheseatoftranquillityabovethemoon。Thefirstambitiousmenintheworld,theoldgiants,aresaidtohavemadeanheroicalattemptofscalingHeavenindespiteofthegods,andtheycastOssauponOlympusandPelionuponOssa,twoorthreemountainsmoretheythoughtwouldhavedonetheirbusiness,butthethunderspoiledalltheworkwhentheywerecomeuptothethirdstorey;

Andwhatanobleplotwascrossed,Andwhatabravedesignwaslost。

Afamouspersonoftheiroffspring,thelategiantofournation,when,fromtheconditionofaveryinconsiderablecaptain,hehadmadehimselflieutenant—generalofanarmyoflittleTitans,whichwashisfirstmountain;andafterwardsgeneral,whichwashissecond;andafterthatabsolutetyrantofthreekingdoms,whichwasthethird,andalmosttouchedtheheavenwhichheaffected;isbelievedtohavediedwithgriefanddiscontentbecausehecouldnotattaintothehonestnameofaking,andtheoldformalityofacrown,thoughhehadbeforeexceededthepowerbyawickedusurpation。Ifhecouldhavecompassedthat,hewouldperhapshavewantedsomethingelsethatisnecessarytofelicity,andpinedawayforthewantofthetitleofanemperororagod。Thereasonofthisis,thatgreatnesshasnorealityinnature,butisacreatureofthefancy——anotionthatconsistsonlyinrelationandcomparison。Itisindeedanidol;butSt。Paulteachesusthatanidolisnothingintheworld。Thereisintruthnorisingormeridianofthesun,butonlyinrespecttoseveralplaces:thereisnorightorleft,noupperhandinnature;everythingislittleandeverythingisgreataccordingasitisdiverselycompared。

TheremaybeperhapssomevillagesinScotlandorIrelandwhereI

mightbeagreatman;andinthatcaseIshouldbelikeCaesar——youwouldwonderhowCaesarandIshouldbelikeoneanotherinanything——andchooserathertobethefirstmanofthevillagethansecondatRome。OurCountryiscalledGreatBritain,inregardonlyofalesserofthesamename;itwouldbebutaridiculousepithetforitwhenweconsiderittogetherwiththekingdomofChina。

That,too,isbutapitifulroodofgroundincomparisonofthewholeearthbesides;andthiswholeglobeofearth,whichweaccountsoimmenseabody,isbutonepointoratominrelationtothosenumberlessworldsthatarescatteredupanddownintheinfinitespaceoftheskywhichwebehold。TheothermanyinconveniencesofgrandeurIhavespokenofdispersedlyinseveralchapters,andshallendthiswithanodeofHorace,notexactlycopiedbutrudelyimitated。

HORACE。LIB。3。ODE1。

Odiprofanumvulgus,etc。

I。

Hence,yeprofane;Ihateyeall;

Boththegreatvulgar,andthesmall。

Tovirginminds,whichyettheirnativewhitenesshold,Notyetdiscolouredwiththeloveofgold(Thatjaundiceofthesoul,Whichmakesitlooksogildedandsofoul),Toyou,yeveryfew,thesetruthsItell;

Themuseinspiresmysong,hark,andobserveitwell。

II。

Welookonmen,andwonderatsuchodds’Twixtthingsthatwerethesamebybirth;

Welookonkingsasgiantsoftheearth,Thesegiantsarebutpigmiestothegods。

ThehumblestbushandproudestoakArebutofequalproofagainstthethunder—stroke。

Beautyandstrength,andwit,andwealth,andpowerHavetheirshortflourishinghour,Andlovetoseethemselves,andsmile,Andjoyintheirpre—eminenceawhile;

Evensointhesameland,Poorweeds,richcorn,gayflowerstogetherstand;

Alas,deathmowsdownallwithanimpartialhand。

III。

Andallyoumen,whomgreatnessdoessoplease,Yefeast,Ifear,likeDamocles。

Ifyouyoureyescouldupwardsmove,(Butyou,Ifear,thinknothingisabove)

YouwouldperceivebywhatalittlethreadTheswordstillhangsoveryourhead。

Notideofwinewoulddrownyourcares,Nomirthormusicover—noiseyourfears;

Thefearofdeathwouldyousowatchfulkeep,Asnottoadmittheimageofit,sleep。

IV。

Sleepisagodtooproudtowaitinpalaces;

Andyetsohumble,too,asnottoscornThemeanestcountrycottages;

Hispoppygrowsamongthecorn。

ThehalcyonsleepwillneverbuildhisnestInanystormybreast。

’TisnotenoughthathedoesfindCloudsanddarknessintheirmind;

Darknessbuthalfhisworkwilldo,’Tisnotenough;hemustfindquiettoo。

V。

Themanwho,inallwisheshedoesmake,DoesonlyNature’scounseltake,ThatwiseandhappymanwillneverfearTheevilaspectsoftheyear,Nortremble,thoughtwocometsshouldappear。

Hedoesnotlookinalmanackstosee,Whetherhefortunateshallbe;

LetMarsandSaturnintheheavensconjoin,Andwhattheypleaseagainsttheworlddesign,SoJupiterwithinhimshine。

VII。

Ifoftheirpleasuresanddesiresnoendbefound;

Godtotheircaresandfearswillsetnobound。

Whatwouldcontentyou?Whocantell?

YefearsomuchtolosewhatyouhavegotAsifyelikeditwell。

Yestriveformore,asifyelikeditnot。

Go,levelhills,andfillupseas,Sparenoughtthatmayyourwantonfancyplease;

Buttrustme,whenyouhavedoneallthis,Muchwillbemissingstill,andmuchwillbeamiss。

OFAVARICE。

Therearetwosortsofavarice;theoneisbutofabastardkind;

andthatis,therapaciousappetiteofgain,notforitsownsake,butforthepleasureofrefundingitimmediatelythroughallthechannelsofprideandluxury。Theotheristhetruekind,andproperlysocalled;whichisarestlessandunsatiabledesireofriches,notforanyfurtherendofuse,butonlytohoard,andpreserve,andperpetuallyincreasethem。Thecovetousmanofthefirstkindislikeagreedyostrich,whichdevoursanymetal,butitiswithanintenttofeeduponit,andineffectitmakesashifttodigestandexcernit。Thesecondislikethefoolishchough,whichlovestostealmoneyonlytohideit。Thefirstdoesmuchharmtomankind,andalittlegoodtoo,tosomefew。Theseconddoesgoodtonone;no,nottohimself。ThefirstcanmakenoexcusetoGod,orangels,orrationalmenforhisactions。Thesecondcangivenoreasonorcolour,nottothedevilhimself,forwhathedoes:heisaslavetoMammonwithoutwages。Thefirstmakesashifttobebeloved;aye,andenvied,too,bysomepeople。Thesecondistheuniversalobjectofhatredandcontempt。Thereisnovicehasbeensopeltedwithgoodsentences,andespeciallybythepoets,whohavepursueditwithstoriesandfables,andallegoriesandallusions;

andmoved,aswesay,everystonetoflingatit,amongallwhich,I

donotrememberamorefineandgentlemen—likecorrectionthanthatwhichwasgivenitbyonelineofOvid’s。

Desuntluxuriaemalta,avaritiaeomnia。

Muchiswantingtoluxury;alltoavariceTowhichsayingIhaveamindtoaddonememberandrenderitthus:—

Povertywantssome,luxurymany,avariceallthings。

Somebodysaysofavirtuousandwiseman,thathavingnothing,hehasall。Thisisjusthisantipode,who,havingallthings,yethasnothing。Heisaguardianeunuchtohisbelovedgold:Audivieosamatoresessemaximossednilpotesse。Theyarethefondestlovers,butimpotenttoenjoy。

And,oh,whatman’sconditioncanbeworseThanhis,whomplentystarves,andblessingscurse?

Thebeggarsbutacommonfatedeplore,Therichpoorman’semphaticallypoor。