Page:Poetical Works of John Oldham.djvu/235

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 * 'T has ever been the top of my desires,

The utmost height to which my wish aspires, That Heaven would bless me with a small estate, Where I might find a close obscure retreat; There, free from noise and all ambitious ends, Enjoy a few choice books, and fewer friends, Lord of myself, accountable to none, But to my conscience, and my God alone: There live unthought of, and unheard of die, And grudge mankind my very memory. But since the blessing is, I find, too great For me to wish for, or expect of fate; Yet, maugre all the spite of destiny, My thoughts, and actions are, and shall be, free. A certain author, very grave and sage, This story tells; no matter what the page.
 * One time, as they walked forth ere break of day,

The wolf and dog encountered on the way:

OLDHAM