But when that parent, crush’d beneath the weight
Of debts and taxes, yields herself to fate;
May you her hapless fugitives receive,
Comfort their sorrows, and their wants relieve!
For come it will—th’ inevitable day,
When Britain must corruption’s forfeit pay,
Beneath a despot’s, or a rabble’s sway.
After a glowing description of the amours of a shepherd and shepherdess, he thus speaks of Marriage:—
Bless’d days of youth, of liberty, and love!
How short, alas! your transient pleasures prove!