And long 'twas doubtful, both so closely pent,
Which first should issue thro' the narrow vent:
At last agreed, together out they fly,
Infeparable now, the truth and lye;
The strict companions are for ever join'd, 495
And this or that unmix'd, no mortal e'er shall find.

While thus I stood, intent to see and hear, One came, methought, and whisper'd in my ear: What could thus high thy rash ambition raise? Art thou, fond youth, a candidate for praife?

'Tis true, said I, not void of hopes I came,
For who so fond as youthful bards of Fame?
But few, alas! the casual blessing boaft,
So hard to gain, so easy to be loft.

500

How vain that second life in others breath, 505 Th'estate which wits inherit after death!

Ease, health, and life, for this they must resign,
(Unsure the tenure, but how vast the fine!)
The great man's curse, without the gains endure,
Be envy'd, wretched, and be flatter'd, poor; 510
All luckless wits their enemies profest,
And all fuccefsful, jealous friends at best.
Nor Fame I flight, nor for her favours call;
She comes unlook'd for, if she comes at all.
But if the purchase costs so dear a price

As foothing Folly, or exalting Vice:

Oh! if the Muse must flatter lawless sway,
And follow still where fortune leads the way;

Or if no bafis bear my rifing name,

But the fall'n ruins of another's fame;

515

520

Then teach me, heav'n! to scorn the guilty bays, Drive from my breast that wretched lust of praise, Unblemish'd let me live, or die unknown;

Oh grant an honest fame, or grant me none!

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