Page:The Art of Preserving Health - A Poem in Four Books.djvu/80

72 But some one part is weaker than the rest: The legs, perhaps, or arms refuse their load, Or the chest labours. These assiduously, But gently, in their proper arts employ'd, Acquire a vigor and elastic spring To which they were not born. But weaker parts Abhor fatigue and violent discipline. Begin with gentle toils; and, as your nerves Grow firm, to hardier by just steps aspire. The prudent, even in every moderate walk, At first but saunter, and by flow degrees Increase their pace. This doctrine of the wife Well knows the master of the flying steed. First from the goal the manag'd coursers play On bended reins; as yet the skilful youth Repress their foamy pride; but every breath The race grows warmer, and the tempest swells; Rh