The Works of Abraham Cowley/Volume 2/Counsel (2)
COUNSEL.
Ah! what advice can I receive!No, satisfy me first;For who would physick-potions giveTo one that dies with thirst?
A little puff of breath, we find,Small fires can quench and kill;But, when they're great, the adverse windDoes make them greater still.
Now whilst you speak, it moves me much,But straight I'm just the same;Alas! th' effect must needs be suchOf cutting through a flame.