The Trio

WIT, Love, and Reputation, walk'd
One ev'ning out of town,
They sung, they laugh'd, they toy'd, they talk'd
'Till night came darkling on.
Love wilfull needs wou'd be their guide,
And smil'd at loss of day,
On her the kindred pair rely'd,
And lost with her their way.

Damp fell the dew, the wind blew cold,
All bleak the barren moor.
Across they toil'd, when Love, grown bold,
Knock'd loud at Labour's door.
Awhile within the reed-roof'd-cot
They stood, and star'd at Care,
But long cou'd not endure the spot,
For Poverty was there.

The Twain propos'd next morn to part,
And travel different ways;
Quoth Love, I soon shall find a Heart,
Wit went to look for Praise.
But Reputation, sighing, spoke,
"Tis better we agree,
"Though Love may laugh, and Wit may joke,
"Yet friends take care of me.

"Without me, Beauty wins no Heart,
"Without me Wit is vain;
"If headstrong here with me you part,
"We ne'er can meet again.
"Of me you both shou'd take great care,
"And shun the rambling plan,
"No calling back, my friends, I'll bear,
"So keep me while you can."

Love stopt among the village youth,
Expecting to be crown'd,
Enquiring for her brother Truth,
But Truth was never found.
She sought in vain, for Love was blind,
And Hate her guidance crost;
'Tis said, since Truth she cannot find,
That Love herself is lost.