Alexander Pope

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

I was not born for Courts or great affairs;
I pay my debts, believe, and say my pray'rs.

I was not born for Courts or great affairs;
I pay my debts, believe, and say my pray'rs.

Reason, however able, cool at best,
Cares not for service, or but serves when prest,
Stays till read more

Reason, however able, cool at best,
Cares not for service, or but serves when prest,
Stays till we call, and then not often near.

Be not the first by whom the new are tried,
Nor yet the last to lay the old aside.

Be not the first by whom the new are tried,
Nor yet the last to lay the old aside.

Th' embroider'd suit at least he deem'd his prey;
That suit an unpaid tailor snatched away.

Th' embroider'd suit at least he deem'd his prey;
That suit an unpaid tailor snatched away.