John Gay

Of all the fools that pride can boast,
A Coxcomb claims distinction most.

Of all the fools that pride can boast,
A Coxcomb claims distinction most.

The brave
Love mercy, and delight to save.

The brave
Love mercy, and delight to save.

A man should be religious, not superstitious.

A man should be religious, not superstitious.

Nor love, not honour, wealth nor pow'r,
Can give the heart a cheerful hour
When health is read more

Nor love, not honour, wealth nor pow'r,
Can give the heart a cheerful hour
When health is lost. Be timely wise;
With health all taste of pleasure flies.

To frame the little animal, provide
All the gay hues that wait on female pride:
Let Nature read more

To frame the little animal, provide
All the gay hues that wait on female pride:
Let Nature guide thee; sometimes golden wire
The shining belles of the fly require;
The peacock's plumes thy tackle must not fail,
Nor the dear purchase of the sable's tail.