FRIENDSHIP, like love, is but a name, Unless to one you stint the flame. The child, whom many fathers share, A Hare who, in a civil way, Comply'd with every thing, like GAY, Was known by all the bestial train Who haunt the wood, or graze the plain; Her care was never to offend; And every creature was her friend. As forth she went at early dawn, To taste the dew-besprinkled lawn, H Behind she hears the hunter's cries, And from the deep-mouth'd thunder flies. And measures back her mazy round ; What transport in her bosom grew, When first the Horse appear'd in view! "Let me," says 66 And owe my safety to a friend. You know my feet betray my flight: The Horse reply'd, "Poor honest Puss, It grieves my heart to see thee thus: Be comforted, relief is near, For all your friends are in the rear." She next the stately Bull implor'd; To leave you thus, might seem unkind ; The Goat remark'd, "her pulse was high, Her languid head, her heavy eye:" "My back," says he, " may do you harm; The Sheep's at hand, and wool is warm." The Sheep was feeble, and complain'd She now the trotting Calf address'd, To save from death a friend distress'd. "Shall I," says he, "of tender age, In this important care engage? Older and abler pass'd you by ; How strong are those! how weak am I ! Should I presume to bear you hence, Those friends of mine may take offence. Excuse me, then; you know my heart; But dearest friends, alas! must part. How shall we all lament! Adieu; For see, the hounds are just in view." ELEGY TO MISS DASHWOOD. IN THE MANNER OF OVID. By Mr. HAMMOND. ල් O SAY, thou dear possessor of my breast, I scorn the beauties common eyes adore, The more I view them, feel thy worth the more: |