Verfes, fuppofed to be written by Alexander Selkirk, during his folitary abode in the On a Goldfinch Starved to Death in a Cage Horace, Book the 2d, Ode the 10th A Reflection on the foregoing Ode TABLE TALK. Si te fortè meæ gravis uret farcina charte, Abjicito HOR. Lib. I. Epist. 13. You told me, I remember, glory, built On selfish principles, is fhame and guilt; Brings down the warrior's trophy to the dust, B. I grant that, men continuing what they are, Fierce, avaricious, proud, there must be war. And never meant the rule should be applied Feats of renown, though wrought in ancient days; Unworthy of the bleffings of the brave, Is base in kind, and born to be a slave. The wretch to nought but his ambition true, Some royal mastiff panting at their heels, The glass that bids man mark the fleeting hour, With the king's fhoulder-knot and gay cockade; The fame their occupation and fuccefs. |