Classic Poem

A FABLE .

If vanity and self-conceit
Do not a strict controulment meet,
They lead the minds of youth astray,
From sacred virtue's heavenly way;
Each noble passion of the soul,
And all her god-like powers controul.

Once on a time when vegetables,
(For so we learn in ancient fables)
Enjoy'd with animals the power,
To pass in pleasing chat the hour;
When like ourselves they'd moralize,
And some it seems were far more wise;
A budding Rose, amidst a train
Of other flowers that deck'd the plain,
Thus gave a loose, for want of sense,
To pride, and mean impertinence.
" Ladies, I really think, (says she,
With much affected modesty,)
" Your varied colours, beauteous dress!
" Do something elegant express;
" That hyacinth, which yonder stands,
" Some notice to be sure demands;
" And this sweet lilly, I declare,
" Is white as snow;...that jess'mine there
" Is not without a fragrant smell;
" That tulip too looks pretty well;
" This jonquii I with pleasure view,
" And yon carnation's ruby hue.
" But, ladies, though you all may shine,
" Say, which can boast such charms as mine?
" So exquisite, so rich a bloom,
" You'll not pretend to, I presume;
" Oppos'd to mine, I justly deem,
" The painter's colours ugly seem;
" Oppos'd to mine, Arabia's sweets
" No mark of approbation meets;
" Now ladies view me well, and own,
" All beauties join in me alone,
" And that where'er I am, I reign,
" Supreme of all the flowery plain. "

To this proud, pompous, loud oration,
A Cowslip with just indignation:
" Insulting Rose, your pride we scorn,
" Shall you, the glitterer of a morn,
" You miss, whose life's a day at most,
" Thus insolently those accost,
" Whom nature form'd as well as you,
" And full I trust as handsome too;
" Allowing this is not the case,
" And that your beauties ours deface,
" (Tho' even this I cannot own,
" For here opinion rules alone)
" Yet let this truth attention claim,
" In every thing her view's the same;
" Nature has some great end propos'd,
" Which ends but seldom are disclos'd;
" Whate'er good qualities you have,
" An equal share to me she gave;
" So now, to give you ma'am your due,
" All flowers are just as good as you. "
Thus, M IRA , 'tis all thro' this life,
Of seeming error, care, and strife;
Then let me beg this sacred truth
May guide your steps in age and youth:
That riches, titles, rank, and power,
Are but the gew-gaws of an hour;
That pride distorts the fairest face,
And ruins every mental grace;
That to humility 'tis given,
To claim the approving smile of heaven.