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F
FRom God to Adam, did choice Knowledge flow:
Which still descends to all his Sons below.
For Toys and Trifles we contend, and fight;
And out Concerns far more Substantial Slight.
For were it better to be ignorant,
Than to be learned, and true Grace to want.
Fix not your mind on Features, Lips or Eyes;
But only love the Virtuous and Wise.
Fair, Modest, Wise, let my Beloved be,
And let me live deserving such a She.
Few need restraining Curbs in Virtues Race:
But most want Spur's to make them mend their pace.
Friends, Books, a chearful heart, a Conscience cleare.
Are the most choice Companions we find here.
From a Foul heart, assends to lying Lips
A little Demon, and from thence he skips.
From glozing Adulation keep your Tongue;
A smooth desembler cheats you with a Song.
Fair Wrighting then to Excellence doth rise
Most, when the Pen is most in Exercise.
Fools, even at Schools, Squander their time away,
As if they went only to learn to Play.
Fresh prosp'rous Gales their duty may perform,
Yet leave us to the mercy of a Storm.
For Profit, and for Pleasure, those great Ends,
The wiser sort delight in Books, and Friends.