John Gay

In every rank, or great or small,
'Tis industry supports us all.

In every rank, or great or small,
'Tis industry supports us all.

The rising blushes, which her cheek o'er-spread,
Are opening roses in the lily's bed.

The rising blushes, which her cheek o'er-spread,
Are opening roses in the lily's bed.

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

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.

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.