John Gay

I hate the man who builds his name
On ruins of another's fame.

I hate the man who builds his name
On ruins of another's fame.

Excuse me, then! you know my heart;
But dearest friends, alas! must part.

Excuse me, then! you know my heart;
But dearest friends, alas! must part.

Let firm, well hammer'd soles protect thy feet
Through freezing snows, and rains, and soaking sleet;
Should read more

Let firm, well hammer'd soles protect thy feet
Through freezing snows, and rains, and soaking sleet;
Should the big last extend the shoe too wide,
Each stone will wrench the unwary step aside;
The sudden turn may stretch the swelling vein,
The cracking joint unhinge, or ankle sprain;
And when too short the modish shoes are worn,
You'll judge the seasons by your shooting corn.

What boots it on the lineal tree to trace
Through many a branch the founders of our race.

What boots it on the lineal tree to trace
Through many a branch the founders of our race.

To frame the little animal, provide
All the gay hues that wait on female pride:
Let Nature read more

To frame the little animal, provide
All the gay hues that wait on female pride:
Let Nature guide thee; sometimes golden wire
The shining belles of the fly require;
The peacock's plumes thy tackle must not fail,
Nor the dear purchase of the sable's tail.