Page:The castle of Indolence - an allegorical poem - Written in imitation of Spenser (IA castleofindolenc00thomiala).pdf/74

 "It was not by vile Loitering in Ease, "That obtain'd the brighter Palm of Art, "That soft yet ardent learn'd to please, "To keen the Wit, and to sublime the Heart, "In all supreme! compleat in every Part! "It was not thence majestic arose, "And o'er the Nations shook her conquering Dart: "For Sluggard's Brow the Laurel never grows;

"Had unambitious Mortals minded Nought, "But in loose Joy their Time to wear away; "Had they alone the Lap of Dalliance sought, "Pleas'd on her Pillow their dull Heads to lay: "Rude Nature's State had been our State To-day; "No Cities e'er their towery Fronts had rais'd, "No Arts had made us opulent and gay; "With Brother-Brutes the Human Race had graz'd;