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She should not at the table close

Her eyes in sleep, nor even doze,

For many a strange untoward thing

Hath happed to dames thus slumbering;

Such places are not made for sleep,

’Tis wiser far good watch to keep,

For often folk mishaps have known

Thus sleeping: many have tumbled down

Supine, or prone, or on the side,

And grievous hurt sustained, or died:

She should, who feels disposed to wink,

Of Palinurus’ ending think,

Who governed well Æneas’ helm

Until he fell within the realm

Of Morpheus, then straight toppled he

From off the ship, and in the sea

Was drowned before his comrades’ eyes,

Who mourned his watery obsequies.

Woman should gather roses ere

Time’s ceaseless foot o’ertaketh her,

For if too long she make delay,

Her chance of love may pass away,

And well it is she seek it while

Health, strength, and youth around her smile.

To pluck the fruits of love in youth

Is each wise woman’s rule forsooth,

For when age creepeth o’er us, hence

Go also the sweet joys of sense,

And ill doth she her days employ

Who lets life pass without love’s joy.

And if my counsel she despise,

Not knowing how ’tis just and wise,