This world's a wide plain, where, like hounds in full cry,
Mankind are all eager the chase to pursue;
O'er the strong bounds of reason regardless they fly,
To hunt down each other, when profit's in view:
Led on by ambition, pride, riches, or fame,
Each mortal toils hard in pursuit of his game.
Observe life's vain fantastic crew;
See how each hunts with game in view:
The young, the old, the grave, the gay,
All join the cry of hark away!

The soldier hunts honour, and flies to the war;
The patriot's in quest of a pension or place;
At the sound of a title, a ribband, or star,
The courtier he eagerly joins in the chase:
The doctor hunts patients, the lawyer a fee,
And a mitre's fine game grave divines all agree.
Observe life's vain fantastic crew, &c.

In pursuit of the fashion yon pert powder'd beau
O'er Pleasure's gay course gallops heedless along;
The coquette so artful each charm tries to shew,
And in quest of a lover still joins in the throng:
Whilst Folly starts game to amuse the gay town,
See Vice in full cry hunting poor Virtue down.
Observe life's vain fantastic crew;
See how each hunts with game in view:
The young, the old, the grave, the gay,
All join the cry of hark away!