Samuel Butler

He made an instrument to know If the moon shine at full or no.

With mortal crisis doth portend My days to appropinque an end.

As men of inward light are wont To turn their optics in upon 't.

The law can take a purse in open court, While it condemns a less delinquent for't.

Such as take lodgings in a head That 's to be let unfurnished.

He ne'er consider'd it, as loth To look a gift-horse in the mouth.

As the ancients Say wisely, have a care o' th' main chance, And look before you ere you leap; For as you sow, ye are like to reap.

All love at first, like generous wine, Ferments and frets until 'tis fine; But when 'tis settled on the lee, And from th' impurer matter free, Becomes the richer still the older, And proves the pleasanter the colder.

And pulpit, drum ecclesiastick, Was beat with fist instead of a stick.

If he that in the field is slain Be in the bed of honour lain, He that is beaten may be said To lie in honour's truckle-bed.