Page:The Art of Preserving Health - A Poem in Four Books.djvu/47

B. II. Too greedily th' exhausted veins absorb The recent chyle, and load enfeebled powers Oft to th' extinction of the vital flame. To the pale cities, by the firm-set siege And famine humbled, may this verse be borne; And hear, ye hardiest sons that Albion breeds, Long toss'd and famish'd on the wintry main; The war shook off, or hospitable shore Attain'd, with temperance bear the shock of joy; Nor crown with festive rites th' auspicious day: Such feast might prove more fatal than the waves, Than war, or famine. While the vital fire Burns feebly, heap not the green fuel on; But prudently foment the wandering spark With what the soonest feels its kindred touch: Be frugal ev'n of that: a little give At first; that kindled, add a little more; Rh