Page:The Art of Preserving Health - A Poem in Four Books.djvu/48

40 Till, by deliberate nourishing, the flame Reviv'd, with all its wonted vigor glows.
 * But tho' the two (the full and the jejune)

Extremes have each their vice; it much avails Ever with gentle tide to ebb and flow From this to that: So nature learns to bear Whatever chance or headlong appetite May bring.Besides, a meagre day subdues The cruder clods by sloth or luxury Collected; and unloads the wheels of life. Sometimes a coy aversion to the feast Comes on, while yet no blacker omen lours; Then is a time to shun the tempting board, Were it your natal or your nuptial day. Perhaps a fast so seasonable starves The latent seeds of woe, which rooted once Might cost you labour.But the day return'd Rh