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The Hind and the Panther.
A Plain good Man, whose Name is understood,
(So few deserve the name of Plain and Good)
Of three fair lineal Lordships stood possess'd,
And liv'd, as reason was, upon the best;
Inur'd to hardships from his early Youth,
Much had he done, and suffer'd for his truth:
At Land, and Sea, in many a doubtfull Fight,
Was never known a more adven'trous Knight,
Who oftner drew his Sword, and always for the right.
(So few deserve the name of Plain and Good)
Of three fair lineal Lordships stood possess'd,
And liv'd, as reason was, upon the best;
Inur'd to hardships from his early Youth,
Much had he done, and suffer'd for his truth:
At Land, and Sea, in many a doubtfull Fight,
Was never known a more adven'trous Knight,
Who oftner drew his Sword, and always for the right.
As Fortune wou'd (his fortune came tho' late)
He took Possession of his just Estate:
Nor rack'd his Tenants with increase of Rent,
Nor liv'd too sparing, nor too largely spent;
But overlook'd his Hinds, their Pay was just,
And ready, for he scorn'd to go on trust:
Slow to resolve, but in performance quick;
So true, that he was awkward at a trick.
He took Possession of his just Estate:
Nor rack'd his Tenants with increase of Rent,
Nor liv'd too sparing, nor too largely spent;
But overlook'd his Hinds, their Pay was just,
And ready, for he scorn'd to go on trust:
Slow to resolve, but in performance quick;
So true, that he was awkward at a trick.
For
