John Gay

A lost good name is ne'er retriev'd.

A lost good name is ne'er retriev'd.

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.

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.

Give me, kind Heaven, a private station,
A mind serene for contemplation:
Title and profit I resign;
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Give me, kind Heaven, a private station,
A mind serene for contemplation:
Title and profit I resign;
The post of honor shall be mine.

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.