40
The ART of
B. II.
Till, by deliberate nourishing, the flame
Reviv'd, with all its wonted vigor glows.
But tho' the two (the full and the jejune)
255Extremes have each their vice; it much avails
Ever with gentle tide to ebb and flow
From this to that: So nature learns to bear
Whatever chance or headlong appetite
May bring.Besides, a meagre day subdues
260The cruder clods by sloth or luxury
Collected; and unloads the wheels of life.
Sometimes a coy aversion to the feast
Comes on, while yet no blacker omen lours;
Then is a time to shun the tempting board,
265Were it your natal or your nuptial day.
Perhaps a fast so seasonable starves
The latent seeds of woe, which rooted once
Might cost you labour.But the day return'd
Of
