Page:The Splendid Shilling by John Philips (1719).pdf/8

6 This Caitif eyes your Steps aloof, and oft Lies perdue in a Nook, or gloomy Cave, Prompt to inchant some inadvertent Wretch With his unhallow'd Touch. So (Poets sing) Grimalkin to Domestick Vermin sworn An everlasting Foe, with watchful Eye Lies Nightly brooding o'er a chinky Gap, Protending her fell Claws, to thoughtless Mice Sure Ruin. So her disembowell'd Web Arachne in a Hall, or Kitchin spreads, Obvious to vagrant Flies: She secret stands Within her woven Cell; the Humming Prey, Regardless of their Fate, rush on the Toils Inextricable, nor will aught avail Their Arts, nor Arms, nor Shapes of lovely Hue; The Wasp insidious, and the buzzing Drone, And Butterfly proud of expanded wings Distinct with Gold, entangled in her Snares, Useless Resistance make: With eager Strides, She tow'ring flies to her expected Spoils; Then with envenom'd Jaws the vital Blood Drinks of reluctant Foes, and to her Cave Their bulky Carcasses triumphant drags.


 * So pass my Days. But when Nocturnal Shades

This World invelop, and th' inclement Air Persuades Men to repel benumming Frosts With pleasant Wines, and crackling blaze of Wood; Rh