34
AMYNTAS.
Before I undertook this enterprize,
High enterprize to simple, fearful swain,
To Mopsus I unfolded my design,
As to a faithful counsellor, and prophet.
He shook his head, and said-Beware, my son,
And tread with cautious step the dangerous ground,
Whither thou tendest: 'tis beset with snares.
The merchant there will lie in wait for thee;
Tempt thee with the false lustre of his ware,
Rob thee with smiles of generosity,
With all the paltry eloquence of trade,
And tell a thousand lies to gain a farthing:
The courtier, too depraved in soul to feel
Humane enjoyment at the sight of nature,
Will make a sport of thee, thy coarse attire,
Thy simple manners, thy unpolished language,
Thy happy ignorance of perverted life;
His mean servility, his rampant bow,
His trembling at a creature like himself,
His childish passions, his ideal wants,
High enterprize to simple, fearful swain,
To Mopsus I unfolded my design,
As to a faithful counsellor, and prophet.
He shook his head, and said-Beware, my son,
And tread with cautious step the dangerous ground,
Whither thou tendest: 'tis beset with snares.
The merchant there will lie in wait for thee;
Tempt thee with the false lustre of his ware,
Rob thee with smiles of generosity,
With all the paltry eloquence of trade,
And tell a thousand lies to gain a farthing:
The courtier, too depraved in soul to feel
Humane enjoyment at the sight of nature,
Will make a sport of thee, thy coarse attire,
Thy simple manners, thy unpolished language,
Thy happy ignorance of perverted life;
His mean servility, his rampant bow,
His trembling at a creature like himself,
His childish passions, his ideal wants,
Ten
