John Gay

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.

There is no dependence that can be sure but a dependence upon one's self.

There is no dependence that can be sure but a dependence upon one's self.

All in the Downs are fleet was moor'd.

All in the Downs are fleet was moor'd.

I never, with important air,
In conversation overbear.
. . . .
My tongue read more

I never, with important air,
In conversation overbear.
. . . .
My tongue within my lips I rein;
For who talks much must talk in vain.

How bless'd, how envied, were our life,
Could we but scape the poulterer's knife!
But man, curs'd read more

How bless'd, how envied, were our life,
Could we but scape the poulterer's knife!
But man, curs'd man, on Turkeys preys,
And Christmas shortens all our days:
Sometimes with oysters we combine,
Sometimes assist the savory chine;
From the low peasant to the lord,
The Turkey smokes on every board.