Page:Old man outwitted, or, The fortunate lovers (2).pdf/8



fool that is wealthy ſure of a bride;

For riches, like fig-leaves, their nakedneſs hide: The ſlave that is poor muſt ſtarve all his life,

In a batchelor’s bed, without miftreſs or wife.

In good daysofyore they ne’er troubled their heads,

In ſettling of jointures, or making of deeds;

But Adam and Eve, when they firſt enter’d courſe,

E'en took one another, for better, for worſe.

Then prithee, dear Chloe, ne’er aim to be great

Let love be thy jointure; ne’er mind ar eſtate;

You can never be poor, who have all thefe charms

And I ſhall be rich, when I've you in mine arms.

world, my dear Myra, is full of deceit,

And friendſhip's a jewel we ſeldom can mend

How ſtrange does it ſeem, that in ſearching

This ſource of content is ſo rare to be found

O, friendſhip thou balm, and rich ſweetner of

Kind parent of eaſe, and compoſer of ſtriſe;

Without thee, alas ! what are riches and pow'r,

But empty deluſion, the joys of an hour!

How much to be priz'd and eſteem’d is a friend,

On whom we may always with ſafety depend?

Our joys, when extended, will alwiſe increaſe.

And griefs, when divided, are huſh’d into

When fortune is ſmiling what crowds will a

Their kindneſs to offer, and friendſhip find

Yet change but the proſpect, and point out di

No longer to court you they eagerly preſs.