Classic Poem

While Whig and Tory clash, and jarr,
These cry, we're blest! and these, undone!
Which Party, Damon , dost thou hate?
For neither side I can declare ;
Malice, Ambition , I have none.
I leave the mighty Feuds of State
To the Decision of the Great:
To be unknown , was still my Fate;
The Muse , and Cloi all my Care.
Stay, take this Fable Æsop told
Of the dull Ass , and Man of old,
Who, when the Enemy he spy'd,
Thus to the careless Creature cry'd,
When Kicks , and Blows in vain were try'd.
Why stand'st thou? Fool? why this Delay?
Is this a time to piss , and bray?
Our armed Foes are all around:
Hark, how their Drums, and Trumpets sound!
Stir, stupid Beast! let's haste away!
Why, let them come , or let them stay ,
Quoth the well-meaning, lazy Ass ,
Good Master, 'tis not my Affair ;
I still must crop coarse, wither'd Grass,
And my two loaded Panniers bear.