134
The Hind and the Panther.
But still the Dove-house obstinately stoodDeaf to their own, and to their Neighbours good:And which was worse, (if any worse could be)Repented of their boasted Loyalty:Now made the Champions of a cruel Cause,And drunk with Fumes of Popular Applause;For those whom God to ruine has design'd,He fits for Fate, and first destroys their Mind.
New Doubts indeed they daily strove to raise,Suggested Dangers, interpos'd Delays;And Emissary Pigeons had in store,Such as the Meccan Prophet us'd of yore,To whisper Counsels in their Patrons Ear;And veil'd their false Advice with Zealous Fear.The Master smil'd to see 'em work in vain,To wear him out, and make an idle reign:He saw, but suffer'd their Protractive Arts,And strove by mildness to reduce their Hearts;
But