Page:The Hind and the Panther - Dryden (1687).djvu/31

$\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,}$The fruit proclaims the plant; a lawless Prince
By luxury reformed incontinence,
By ruins, charity; by riots, abstinence.
$\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,}$Confessions, fasts and penance set aside
Oh with what ease we follow such a guide!
Where souls are starv'd, and senses gratify'd.
$\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,}$Where marr'age pleasures, midnight pray'r supply,
And mattin bells (a melancholly cry)
Are tun'd to merrier notes, encrease and multiply.
$\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,}$Religion shows a Rosie coloured face;
Not hatter'd out with drudging works of grace;
A down-hill Reformation rolls apace.
$\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,}$What flesh and blood wou'd croud the narrow gate,
Or, till they waste their pamper'd paunches, wait;
All wou'd be happy at the cheapest rate.

 Though our lean faith these rigid laws has giv'n,
The full fed Musulman goes fat to heav'n;
For his Arabian Prophet with delights
Of sense, allur'd his eastern Proselytes.

The