John St. George to the Author.
THough Indian Ants, that scrape in Mines of Gold, Dare not for Treasure make exchange with death, Yet braver minds for honour dare be bold, Couragiously to sacrifice their breath; A precious Gem is Armes, the subject of thy pen: Which as a Diamond when thou didst find, Rude, and uncut, to bring the same to shape, And Lustre fit, thy Purse, thy Pen, thy Mind Did all conspire this Work to undertake: Which now perform'd, let Goldsmiths judge the price, Till Aesops Cock and Indian Ants be wise: And thy Guerdon seem not worth a mite, To such base Prisers, deem it not the lesse, For higher spirits will judge thereof aright: And they at last too late will all confesse, That Gold and earthly Pleasures do bewitch; But Grace and Honour onely make men Rich.JOHN St. GEORGE.