Page:Scoundrel Will's advice to his sons.pdf/6

6 16. Without compunction, dread, or fright,

They swear for me that wrong is right;

While I, in turn, to them, as might

Be well expected.

Stand bound to swear that black is white,

As I’m directed.

17. ’Tis said, and I believe it too,

That oaths are awful if untrue;

But, mighty Jove! what can we do,

In these sad times?

Sins of the very blackest hue

Are common crimes.

18. Besides, I’m told, by those who know it,

When we to cheat are driven to it,

The cause that drives us on to do it

Should bear the blame;

Nature and common sense allow it,

In JustieeJustice [sic]’ name.

19. At all times for a weighty purse

A boundless love be sure to nurse;

For honour never mind a curse,

Adopt a rule,

To pay no more than law can forecforce [sic],

Be ’t fair or foul.

20. Pick all ye can from simple snools;

Keep mind, tbatthat [sic] all the golden rules

Poor silly pedants teach in schools

Are unavailing,

Or only acted on by fools,

Not men of dealing.

21. The course with tradesmen to pursue,

When their accounts they hand to you,

Condemn their jobs, seem furious too

At their amounts,

Till large per centages ye screw

From their accounts.