首页 >出版文学> Cowley’s Essays>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。