The Challenge.

The Challenge.

YE Sages that pretend In Science to Transcend The dull illit'rate Crowd, You that of Ignorance impeach, (Ere your Pretences be allow'd) Define that Prudence which you Teach; I fear 'tis much above your Learning's Reach. Prudence has no fixt Being, but depends On Person, Time, and Chance, And every petty Circumstance: Actions directed to the Self-same ends, May prudent th' one, the other peccant be; For what would prove Discreet in Thee Perhaps were wild Extravagance in Me. The Ants are Wise, that from their Summer Hoard Supply their Winter Board; And doubtless full as wise as They The Grashoppers that Play And Revell all their Harvest Days away; For 'twere in Them a Sensless Drudgery To Toil for a Supply In Winter's Dearth, that must ere Winter, Die.