Elate with wide-extended pow'r,
Sworn rivals from the natal hour,
AV'RICE and SLOTH, with hostile art
Contended long for woman's heart;
She fond of wealth, afraid of toil,
Still shifted the capricious smile;
By turns, to each the heart was sold,
Now bought with ease, and now with gold;
Scarce either grasp the sov'reign sway,
When chance revers'd the prosp'rous day.
The doubtful strife was still renew'd,
Each baffled oft, but ne'er subdu'd;
When AV'RICE shew'd the glitt'ring prize,
And hopes and fears began to rise,
SLOTH shed on ev'ry busy sense
The gentle balm of indolence.
When SLOTH had screen'd, with artful night,
The soft pavilion of delight;
Stern AV'RICE, with reproachful frown,
Would scatter thorns amongst her down.