(seq. 51)

45

Of virtuous actions, or the task reward ~

Aspatius, why stragling thus & pensive?

Dwindling down in closest meditation

With the first light of dawning morn, & lost

To all the social bliss of pampered sence,

That wantons in thy midnight revellings,

Where jovial souls with mingling rapsodies,

Entranse the turpitude of sickly fears,

And in the lap of luxury compose

The weary sence that languishes & droops,

Surchargd with overplus of dainty joys?

Why thus at distance from the merry herd,

Those gay fatheaded Gods that fancy bliss

Shines fairest in th' entoxicating glass?

Who seize the preasant hour & flutter in

The gentle blaze, as what may be the last

They ever shall possess & eager haste

To breath its minutes in the loudest laugh,