John Gay

Life is a jest; and all things show it.
I thought so once; but now I know it.

Life is a jest; and all things show it.
I thought so once; but now I know it.

Learning by study must be won;
'Twas ne'er entail'd from son to son.

Learning by study must be won;
'Twas ne'er entail'd from son to son.

Nor love, not honour, wealth nor pow'r,
Can give the heart a cheerful hour
When health is read more

Nor love, not honour, wealth nor pow'r,
Can give the heart a cheerful hour
When health is lost. Be timely wise;
With health all taste of pleasure flies.

By outward show let's not be cheated;
An ass should like an ass be treated.

By outward show let's not be cheated;
An ass should like an ass be treated.

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.