Thus much I think myself obliged to say; that if this little
performance had not been very indulgently spoken of by some, whose
judgment is universally allowed in writings of this nature, I had not
dared to gratify my ambition in offering it to your lordship: I am
sensible that I am endeavouring to excuse one vanity by another; but I
hope I shall meet with pardon for it, since it is visibly intended to show
the great submission and respect with which I am, my lord, your lordship's
most obedient and most humble servant,
EDWARD YOUNG.
Thrice happy Job(26) long liv'd in regal state,
Nor saw the sumptuous East a prince so great;
Whose worldly stores in such abundance flow'd,
Whose heart with such exalted virtue glow'd.
At length misfortunes take their turn to reign,
And ills on ills succeed; a dreadful train!
What now but deaths, and poverty, and wrong,
The sword wide-wasting, the reproachful tongue,
And spotted plagues, that mark'd his limbs all o'er
So thick with pains, they wanted room for more?
A change so sad what mortal heart could bear?
Exhausted woe had left him nought to fear;
But gave him all to grief.
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