John Gay

My tongue within my lips I rein:
For who talks much must talk in vain.

My tongue within my lips I rein:
For who talks much must talk in vain.

When if or chance or hunger's powerful sway
Directs the roving trout this fatal way,
He greedily read more

When if or chance or hunger's powerful sway
Directs the roving trout this fatal way,
He greedily sucks in the twining bait,
And tugs and nibbles the fallacious meat.
Now, happy fisherman; now twitch the line!
How thy rod bends! behold, the prize is thine!

There is no dependence that can be sure but a dependence upon one's self

There is no dependence that can be sure but a dependence upon one's self

Learning by study must be won;
'Twas ne'er entail'd from son to son.

Learning by study must be won;
'Twas ne'er entail'd from son to son.

Cowards are cruel, but the brave
Love mercy, and delight to save.

Cowards are cruel, but the brave
Love mercy, and delight to save.