Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 8.djvu/120

110 Shows Sheba's queen completely drest, And Solomon in royal vest: But view them litter'd on the floor. Or strung on pegs behind the door; Punch is exactly of a piece With Lorrain's duke, and prince of Greece. A prudent builder should forecast How long the stuff is like to last; And carefully observe the ground, To build on some foundation sound. What house, when its materials crumble, Must not inevitably tumble? What edifice can long endure Rais'd on a basis unsecure? Rash mortals, ere you take a wife, Contrive your pile to last for life: Since beauty scarce endures a day, And youth so swiftly glides away; Why will you make yourself a bubble, To build on sand with hay and stubble? On sense and wit your passion found, By decency cemented round; Let prudence with good nature strive, To keep esteem and love alive. Then, come old age whene'er it will, Your friendship shall continue still: And thus a mutual gentle fire Shall never but with life expire. APOLLO;