Читать книгу English Poets of the Eighteenth Century - Various - Страница 32

I'd have a clear and competent estate,

That I might live genteelly, but not great:

As much as I could moderately spend;

A little more, sometimes t' oblige a friend.

Nor should the sons of poverty repine

At fortune's frown, for they should taste of mine;

And all that objects of true pity were,

Should be relieved with what my wants could spare;

For what our Maker has too largely given,

Should be returned in gratitude to Heaven.

A frugal plenty should my table spread.

With healthy, not luxurious, dishes fed;

Enough to satisfy, and something more,

To feed the stranger, and the neighb'ring poor.

Strong meat indulges vice, and pampering food

Creates diseases, and inflames the blood.

But what's sufficient to make nature strong,

And the bright lamp of life continue long,

I'd freely take, and as I did possess,

The bounteous Author of my plenty bless.