Constant swain (1)/A Friendly Advice

A FRIENDLY ADVICE.

MORTALS, wifely learn to measure
Life, by the extent of joy ;
Life’s a short and fleeting pleasure:
Then be gay, while you may,
And your hours in mirth employ.

Never let a mistress pain you,
Tho’ she meets you with a frown;
Fly to wine, 'twill soon unchain you,
Cheer thy heart, and all smart
In a sweet oblivion drown.

If love's fiercer flames should seize you,
To some gentle maid repair;
She'll with soft endearments cafe you;
On her breast lull'd to rest,
Eas'd of love, and free from care.

Friendship, love, and wine united,
From all ills defend the mind;
By then guarded and delighted;
Happy stare, smile at fare,
And give sorrows to the wind.