His wandering course from poverty began,
The visitation sent from heaven to man:
Ascra’s sad hamlet he his dwelling chose
Where nigh impending Helicon arose:
[121]In summer irksome and in winter drear,
Nor ever genial through the joyless year.
Each labour, Perses! let the seasons guide:
But o’er thy navigation chief preside:
[122]Decline a slender bark: intrust thy freight
To the strong vessel of a larger rate: