Page:The Hind and the Panther - Dryden (1687).djvu/102

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The Hind and the Panther.
'Tis found, but better it had ne'er been sought
Than thus in Protestant procession brought.
The fam'd original through Spain is known,
Rodriguez work, my celebrated son,
Which yours, by ill-translating made his own;
Conceal'd its authour, and usurp'd the name,
The basest and ignoblest theft of fame.
My Altars kindl'd first that living coal,
Restore, or practice better what you stole:
That vertue could this humble verse inspire,
'Tis all the restitution I require.

Glad was the Panther that the charge was clos'd,
And none of all her fav'rite sons expos'd.
For laws of arms permit each injur'd man,
To make himself a saver where he can.
Perhaps the plunder'd merchant cannot tell
The names of Pirates in whose hands he fell:

But