"Messire," said he, "try an thou canst back the steed yonder.

But to advise thee Ben, in this strict age, A brick-hill's better for thee than a stage; Thou better know'st a Groundfil for to lay Than lay a plot, or Groundwork of a play, And better canst direct to cap a chimney, Than to converse with Chlio, or Polyhimny.

Tell me, art thou not judge among this fugitive people, Father, who thus in an instant canst bid their passions be quiet?

Nor wander back with sullen steps again; For neither pleasant pastime canst thou take In such a journey, nor endure the pain.

But to advise thee Ben, in this strict age, A brick-hill's better for thee than a stage; Thou better know'st a Groundfil for to lay Than lay a plot, or Groundwork of a play, And better canst direct to cap a chimney, Than to converse with Chlio, or Polyhimny.

I liv'd, I lov'd, I quaff'd like thee; I died, but earth my bones resign: Fill upthou canst not injure me, The worm hath fouler lips than thine.

Ah, little must thou count my years of beauty and of bloom, If thou wouldst wed them with a life thus tottering to the tomb, Decrepitude is now thy lot, and wherefore canst thou dare To ask that youthful charms these vile infirmities should share?"