XLIX.

Shall he, whose birth, maturity, and age, Scarce fill the circle of one summer day, Shall the poor gnat, with discontent and rage, Exclaim that nature hastens to decay, If but a cloud obstruct the solar ray, If but a momentary shower descend! Or shall frail man Heaven's dread decree gainsay, Which bade the series of events extend Wide through unnumber'd worlds, and ages without end!