Address to * * * * * * * *

SPRUNG from an antient, noble line,
Wherein illustrious heroes shine,
Why by unworthy deeds debase
The honours of that splendid race?

Endow'd with Fortune's boundless store,
Whence this absurd desire for more?
Beyond what Av'rice could desire,
Or wild Ambition's thirst inspire,
Is pour'd around, in lavish waste,
To please thine eye, and tempt thy taste:
Why honourable equals shun,
And to inglorious circles run?
Thy time and talents to prophane,
With unremitting search of gain?
Proud parks inclose thee, manors fair,
Prolific meads, and waters clear,
And shalt thou, negligent of fame,
From Tenants hard exactions claim,
Industrious Peasantry oppress,
And make their little po[...]its less?
Young Miser, cease—aspire to know
The godlike pleasure—to bestow.
Seek not for wealth by wealth's abuse,
But place it to its noblest use:

Search where the lab'ring poor abide,
Unshelter'd, by thy forest-side;
Relieve their wants, their spirits cheer,
And bid them bless the coming year.

When hov'ring mildews rot the soil,
And cheat the Farmer's honest toil,
Or when th' Engrosser's churlish door
Withholds the portion of the poor,
Then thy full garners wide expand,
And fill the needy Rustic's hand.

Or seek, beneath the humble shed,
Where modest merit hides his head;
Redeem him from his dark retreat,
And hail him with a happier state.
So may'st thou (by bestowing, blest)
Find boundless treasure in thy breast:
So may'st thou, ere old Time shall spread
His rev'rend honours o'er thy head,
Unperishable stores create,
And hear (unblushing) FOSCUE's fate.