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The poor Man's Counſel: Or, the

Married Man's Guide.

Ome friend if thy leaſure permits thee to ſtay,

I'll teach thee ſome precepts the ſame to obey,

Now thou haſt betaken thyſelf to a wife,

How thou may'ſt live happy all the days of thy life.

Then take my directions altho' thou art poor,

It will learn thee to keep the wolf from the door.

It's not all men's fortune great riches to have,

But they that have little have moſt need to ſave;

For riches have wings and away they will fly,

and leave them forſaken that once were ſo high,

A little is better with peace and content,

Than wealth and abundance in miſery ſpent.

The wealth of this world doth many bewitch,

And they're all to blame who make haſte to be rich,

For riches ill got like ſnow-balls do waſte;

And he that is rich will be poor at the laſt,

Therefore be content with a lowly degree,

And God will provide in due time you will ſee.

If thou haſt a wife that is loving and kind,

Great comfort at all times in her thou ſhalt find,

Whatever betide thee ſhe will bear a ſhare,

And help to adviſe thee in woe or welfare.

Then ſtrive not her patience at all to provoke,

But freely to draw both in one yoke.

wife that is frowardforward [sic] I do not commend,

What thou doſt take of pains ſhe'll laviſhly ſpend,

And do what thou can'ſt to humour her ſtill,

She'll hold you in ſcorn if ſhe wants of her will,

Make much of that wife that is loving and chaſte,

And ſhe will be ſaving and fearful to waſte.