Robert Pollok

Just as the twig is bent the tree's inclined.

Just as the twig is bent the tree's inclined.

Pleased with a rattle, tickled with a straw.

Pleased with a rattle, tickled with a straw.

'Twas slander filled her mouth with lying words;
Slander, the foulest whelp of Sin.

'Twas slander filled her mouth with lying words;
Slander, the foulest whelp of Sin.

Friend, for your epitaph I'm grieved,
Where still so much is said;
One half will never be read more

Friend, for your epitaph I'm grieved,
Where still so much is said;
One half will never be believed,
The other never read.

Get wealth and power, if possible by grace,
If not, by any means, get wealth and place.

Get wealth and power, if possible by grace,
If not, by any means, get wealth and place.