And with his nets and angle earned his bread.

Nor pompous cares, nor palaces, he knew,

But wisely from the infectious world withdrew.

Poor was his house: his father's painful hand

Discharged his rent, and ploughed another's land.

As flames among the lofty woods are thrown

On different sides, and both by winds are blown;

The laurels crackle in the sputtering fire;

The frighted sylvans from their shades retire:

Or as two neighbouring torrents fall from high,