John Gay

Envy's a sharper spur than pay:
No author ever spar'd a brother;
Wits are gamecocks to one read more

Envy's a sharper spur than pay:
No author ever spar'd a brother;
Wits are gamecocks to one another.

When rogues like these (a sparrow cries)
To honours and employments rise,
I court no favor, ask read more

When rogues like these (a sparrow cries)
To honours and employments rise,
I court no favor, ask no place,
For such preferment is disgrace.

If you reveal your secrets to the wind you should not blame the
wind for revealing them to the read more

If you reveal your secrets to the wind you should not blame the
wind for revealing them to the trees.

Let firm, well hammer'd soles protect thy feet
Through freezing snows, and rains, and soaking sleet;
Should read more

Let firm, well hammer'd soles protect thy feet
Through freezing snows, and rains, and soaking sleet;
Should the big last extend the shoe too wide,
Each stone will wrench the unwary step aside;
The sudden turn may stretch the swelling vein,
The cracking joint unhinge, or ankle sprain;
And when too short the modish shoes are worn,
You'll judge the seasons by your shooting corn.

That Raven on yon left-hand oak
(Curse on his ill-betiding croak)
Bodes me no good.

That Raven on yon left-hand oak
(Curse on his ill-betiding croak)
Bodes me no good.