Page:Florian - The Fables, 1888.djvu/57

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"Please teach me how a fortune's made," A young man to his father said. The old man answer'd:—"There's a way Which is glorious, I may say: Though 'tis the way least understood;— It is to serve the common good; To give one's life, one's toil, one's care In useful service of the state." "Oh that's a labor far too great: I want some way less hard by far." "Well then, there's intrigue, which is sure." "But that vile way I can't endure. From both hard labor and from vice         I would be free'd." "Then be a fool! Take my advice;— For many such I've seen succeed."  

A young man on the tight-rope danc'd      With balance-pole in hand; Sway'd to and fro, fell back, advanc'd,      Or bolt up straight would stand. A crowd of persons came to see, His feats of bold agility. Now up he goes, then down again, All free and easy, light and spry; Rebounding from the tight rope's strain, In cadence with it springing high. 