Four Popular Songs (1)/Merry and wise

Merry And Wise.

Let who will complain of the troubles they meet
they re matter of laughter to me:
A dash of the bitter the sweet makes more sweet
I therefore contented will be.

If Fortune looks kindly I ll bask in her smiles;
if frowning—my comfort is still,
That life's but a span and good humour beguiles
the time be it bad as it will

My Friend proves unfaithful I ll seek out a new,
nor trouble my head about that;
I'll pity the changeling I ll honour the true
and chearfully laugh and be fat.

What tho‘ I a coach and six horses can t have
to which I‘ve a very good right:
A pai of good legs hath kind Providence gave,
with a heart that s both honest and light.

My frames not unwieldy ’tis active and sound,
my appetite not verv great:
A scanty provision sufficient is found.
if cleanly and wholse meto eat.

Let epicures feast on their turtles for me
their ortolans pheasants and sturgeon;
With Fnenchify d dishes high sauces and be
a prey to the doctor and surgeon;

With all kinds of wine let them pamper their taste
nor ought to their palates deny;
It they to their latter end wilfully haste
themselves are to blame and not I.

On dress pomp and grandeur I fix not my mind
they’re matters unworthy a care
Beneath those fine trappings we oftentimes find
the pangs of remorse and despair.

Gay Pleasure s a phantom exceedingly fair,
which vainly we hope to embrace;
we grasp at a substance she melts into air,
and leaves not behind her a trace.

Then why should we make such a pother about,
what no one could ever attain
Tho‘ the sweet illusion is tempting no doubt
till banish'd by old age and pain.

But soon we the idle pursuit of her charms,
by dear bought experience despise
Then blooming good humour still dwell in my arms
my motto be - merry and wise.