XIII. The Pilot and Sailors

On hearing a poor man lament

His worldly thoughts in discontent,

Esop this tale began to write,

For consolation and delight.

The ship by furious tempests toss’d,

The Mariners gave all for lost;

But midst their tears and dread, the scene

Is changed at once, and all serene.

The wind is fair, the vessel speeds,

The Sailors’ boist’rous joy exceeds:

The Pilot then, by peril wise,

Was prompted to philosophise.

“’Tis right to put a due restraint

On joy, and to retard complaint,

Because alternate hope and fright

Make up our lives of black and white.”

Riley