So closely our whims on our miseries tread,
That the laugh is awak'd ere the tear can be dried.

So closely our whims on our miseries tread,
That the laugh is awak'd ere the tear can be dried.

I'll tell the names and sayings and the places of their birth,
Of the seven great ancient sages so read more

I'll tell the names and sayings and the places of their birth,
Of the seven great ancient sages so renowned on Grecian earth,
The Lindian Cleobulus said, "The mean was still the best";
The Spartan Chilo said, "Know thyself," a heaven-born phrase
confessed.
Corinthian Periander taught "Our anger to command,"
"Too much of nothing," Pittacus, from Mitylene's strand;
Athenian Solon this advised, "Look to the end of life,"
And Bias from Priene showed, "Bad men are the most rife";
Milesian Thales uregd that "None should e'er a surety be";
Few were there words, but if you look, you'll much in little see.

Without businesse debauchery.

Without businesse debauchery.

He never sought to stem the current. [Of a statesman who
accommodates his views to public opinion.]

He never sought to stem the current. [Of a statesman who
accommodates his views to public opinion.]

For Lycidas is dead, dead ere his prime,
Young Lycidas, and hath not left his peer.

For Lycidas is dead, dead ere his prime,
Young Lycidas, and hath not left his peer.

The more skilful the gambler, the worse the man.

The more skilful the gambler, the worse the man.

He that hath little is the lesse durtie.

He that hath little is the lesse durtie.

Little dogs start the Hare, the great get her.

Little dogs start the Hare, the great get her.

Warre makes theeves, and peace hangs them.

Warre makes theeves, and peace hangs them.