52
Poems on
Whilst niggard Souls indulge their craving Thirst
Rich without Bounty, with Abundance curst;
The Prodigal pursues expensive Vice,
And buys Dishonour at a mighty Price;
On Beds of State the splendid Glutton sleeps,
While starving Merit unregarded weeps;
His ill-plac'd Bounty, while scorn'd Virtue grieves,
A Dog, or fawning Sycophant receives;
And cringing Knaves, or haughty Strumpets share
What would make Sorrow smile, and chear Despair.
Rich without Bounty, with Abundance curst;
The Prodigal pursues expensive Vice,
And buys Dishonour at a mighty Price;
On Beds of State the splendid Glutton sleeps,
While starving Merit unregarded weeps;
His ill-plac'd Bounty, while scorn'd Virtue grieves,
A Dog, or fawning Sycophant receives;
And cringing Knaves, or haughty Strumpets share
What would make Sorrow smile, and chear Despair.
Then would'st thou steer where Fortune spread the Sails?
Go, flatter Vice! for seldom Flatt'ry fails:
Soft thro' the Ear the pleasing Bane distils:
Delicious Poison! in Perfumes it kills!
Be all, but virtuous: O! unwise to live
Unfashionably good, and hope to thrive!
Go, flatter Vice! for seldom Flatt'ry fails:
Soft thro' the Ear the pleasing Bane distils:
Delicious Poison! in Perfumes it kills!
Be all, but virtuous: O! unwise to live
Unfashionably good, and hope to thrive!
Trees
