Poems Volume 1

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1839 Excerpt: ...seems, the greatest part Take business not in hand now, but in heart. What mean our wealthy usurers to hoard More up for others can they can afford Unto themselves; whereas they do not know Whether it shall be for a friend or foe? Sure such, methinks, should be deservedly Recorded for their sottish vanity. Now, as the most of wealth too well do deem, So others make thereof too small esteem, As of a thing whose use were of no weight; But both are led away with vain conceit. Then some man's care is, that when this life ends, He dying, may be buried with his friends; As if he fear'd his foes had not forgotten To do him mischief, tho' their bones were rotten. Others extremely are distempered, To think what men will do when they are dead; And vainly sit (more wit God one day send!) Lamenting what they know not how to mend. For worthless matters some are wond'rous sad Whom if I call not vain, I must term mad; If that their noses bleed some certain drops, And then again upon the sudden stops; Or if the babbling fowl we call a jay, A squirrel, or a hare but cross the way; Or if the salt fall towards them at table, Or any such-like superstitious babble, Their mirth is spoil'd, because they hold it true That some mischance must thereupon ensue. But I do know no little numbers be ' Seduced with this foolish vanity; And questionless, although I discommend it, There want not some that stoutly will defend it But all their proof is only this, I know, By daily trial they do find it so: Indeed 'tis true, God often by permission, To see if they will trust to superstition More than to him, doth willingly supply What they so look'd for by their augury. Then some, to be esteemed men of state. Of nothing but the court affairs do prate; If they but come amongst us countrymen, Lor...