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Little you are, for woman's sake be proud; For my sake next, though little, be not loud.

He who has suffered shipwreck fears to sail Upon the seas, though with a gentle gale.

A long life's-day I've taken pains For very little, or no gains; The evening's come, here now I'll stop, And work no more, but shut up shop.

Be bold, my book, nor be abash'd, or fear The cutting thumb-nail or the brow severe; But by the Muses swear all here is good If but well read, or, ill read, understood.

When I a verse shall make, Know I have pray'd thee, For old religion's sake, Saint Ben, to aid me.