John Gay

How many saucy airs we meet,
From Temple Bar to Aldgate street!

How many saucy airs we meet,
From Temple Bar to Aldgate street!

The fly that sips treacle is lost in the sweets.

The fly that sips treacle is lost in the sweets.

I never, with important air,
In conversation overbear.
. . . .
My tongue read more

I never, with important air,
In conversation overbear.
. . . .
My tongue within my lips I rein;
For who talks much must talk in vain.

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

The coquets of both sexes are self-lovers, and that is a love no other whatever can dispossess.

The coquets of both sexes are self-lovers, and that is a love no other whatever can dispossess.