iendly hostess at her word:
Who, entering first her lowly roof, a shed
With hoary moss, and winding ivy spread,
Honest enough to hide an humble hermit's head,
Thus graciously bespoke her welcome guest: 700
So might these walls, with your fair presence blest,
Become your dwelling-place of everlasting rest;
Not for a night, or quick revolving year;
Welcome an owner, not a sojourner.
This peaceful seat my poverty secures;
War seldom enters but where wealth allures:
Nor yet despise it; for this poor abode
Has oft received, and yet receives a God;
A God victorious of the Stygian race
Here laid his sacred limbs, and sanctified the place, 710
This mean retreat did mighty Pan contain:
Be emulous of him, and pomp disdain,
And dare not to debase your soul to gain.

The silent stranger stood amazed to see
Contempt of wealth, and wilful poverty:
And, though ill habits are not soon controll'd,
A while suspended her desire of gold.
But civilly drew in her sharpen'd paws,
Not violating hospitable laws;
And pacified her tail, and lick'd her frothy jaws. 720

The Hind did first her country cates provide;
Then couch'd herself securely by her side.

* * * * *

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 108: 'Philistines:' the Cromwellians, &c.]

[Footnote 109: 'Younger lion:' Charles II.]

[Footnote 110: 'Priestly calves,' &c.: this alludes to the Commons
voting in 1641 that all deans, chapters, &c. should be abolished.]

[Footnote 111: 'The Test:' the Test Act, passed in 1672, enjoined the
abjuration of the real presence in the sacrament.]

[Footnote 112: 'Piles, &c.:' the Roman arms--_pili_ and eagles.]

[Footnote 113: 'Curtana:' the name of King Edward the Confessor's sword,
without a point, an emblem of mercy, and carried before the king at the
coronation.]

[Footnote 114: 'Not rent by schism:' marks of the Catholic Church from
the Nicene creed.]

[Footnote 115: 'Paillards:' a French word for licentious persons.]

[Footnote 116: 'Sell all of Christian,' &c.: it is said that the Dutch,
in order to secure to themselves the whole trade of Japan, trample on
the cross, and deny the name of Jesus.]

[Footnote 117: 'Feed your famine:' the renunciation of the Benedictines
to the abbey lands.]

PART III.

Much malice, mingled with a little wit,
Perhaps may censure this mysterious writ: