Fugitive Poetry. 1600–1878/Reserve

Reserve.

(From the French.)

Something should remain unseen, All the will should not appear;For light thoughts will intervene, And light words to danger veer.

Sometimes on the verge of speech, Better not be over-bold,But little pausing caution teach, What to say and what withhold.

Idle talk is ever free, And with riches soon runs o'er;Reason should the treasurer be, And still something keep in store.