Matthew Prior

When people once are in the wrong,
Each line they add is much too long;
Who fastest read more

When people once are in the wrong,
Each line they add is much too long;
Who fastest walks, but walks astray,
Is only furthest from his way.

Let him be kept from paper, pen, and ink;
So may he cease to write, and learn to think.

Let him be kept from paper, pen, and ink;
So may he cease to write, and learn to think.

Bid the Devil take the slowest.

Bid the Devil take the slowest.

A Rechabite poor Will must live,
And drink of Adam's ale.

A Rechabite poor Will must live,
And drink of Adam's ale.

In vain I trusted that the flowing bowl
Would banish sorrow, and enlarge the soul.
To the read more

In vain I trusted that the flowing bowl
Would banish sorrow, and enlarge the soul.
To the late revel, and protracted feast,
Wild dreams succeeded, and disorder'd rest.