Page:Vanity of pride.pdf/4

[4]

ears at a time are too many for use,

as they're only the inlets of strife;

And some may be found, who (tho' wife) would refuse,

to possess these fair organs of life.

This deafness oft times of advantage is found,

misfortunes may turn to a blessing,

When nonsense, or when tumults abound,

they then lose their force of distressing.

I wisely am taught to be deaf with one ear,

while the other for use I employ,

One gate I shut up against trouble and care,

and the other keep open for joy.

When my Comfort begins her windpipe to clear,

with peals that would rend worlds asunder,

Serenely I sit and cock up my deaf ear,

unmov'd 'midst the roar of her thunder.

T'other day comes a dun, with "Sir, you well know,"

"What say you? speak louder a little;"

"You know, Sir, you borrow'd full 12 months ago—"

"Alas, friend! I can't hear a title."

"You owe me ten pounds," much louder he cries,

and repeats it as loud as he can,

Then I point to my ears, and stare with my eyes,

till he scarcely believes me the man.

I, grave as a Don, cry "My hearing's quite lost,"

"And my money," says he, "too I fear,

"Pox on him 'tis folly to talk to a post;"

So he leaves me as mad as a hare.