John Gay

The fly that sips treacle is lost in the sweets.

The fly that sips treacle is lost in the sweets.

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.

So comes a reck'ning when the banquet's o'er,
The dreadful reckn'ning, and men smile no more.

So comes a reck'ning when the banquet's o'er,
The dreadful reckn'ning, and men smile no more.

Variety's the source of joy below,
From whence still fresh-revolving pleasures flow,
In books and love the read more

Variety's the source of joy below,
From whence still fresh-revolving pleasures flow,
In books and love the mind one end pursues,
And only change the expiring flames renews.

Impartially their talents scan,
Just education forms the man.
- John Gay,

Impartially their talents scan,
Just education forms the man.
- John Gay,