John Byrom

How sweet the task to shield an absent friend!
I ask but this of mine to--not defend.

How sweet the task to shield an absent friend!
I ask but this of mine to--not defend.

God bless the King--I mean the faith's defender;
God bless (no harm in blessing) the pretender;
But read more

God bless the King--I mean the faith's defender;
God bless (no harm in blessing) the pretender;
But who the pretender is, or who is King--
God bless us all--that's quite another thing.

But who alas! can love and then be wise?

But who alas! can love and then be wise?

For over-warmth, if false, is worse than truth.

For over-warmth, if false, is worse than truth.

With more of thanks and less of thought,
I strive to make my matters meet;
To seek read more

With more of thanks and less of thought,
I strive to make my matters meet;
To seek what ancient sages sought,
Physic and food in sour and sweet,
To take what passes in good part,
And keep the hiccups from the heart.