John Gay

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.

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.

With thee conversing I forget the way.

With thee conversing I forget the way.

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.

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.