}
What after happened is not hard to guess; }
The small beginnings had a large increase, }
And arts and wealth succeed the secret spoils of peace. }
'Tis said, the Doves repented, though too late,
Become the smiths of their own foolish fate:[261]
Nor did their owner hasten their ill hour,
But, sunk in credit, they decreased in power;
Like snows in warmth that mildly pass away,
Dissolving in the silence of decay.[262]