Cries he, “if I’m surpass’d in voice.”

“The fates entirely have the choice

Of all the lots—fair form is yours;

The eagle’s strength his prey secures;

The nightingale can sing an ode;

The crow and raven may forebode:

All these in sheer contentment crave

No other voice than Nature gave.”

By affectation be not sway’d,

Where Nature has not lent her aid;