John Milton

Joking decides great things,
Stronger and better oft than earnest can.

Joking decides great things,
Stronger and better oft than earnest can.

Athens, the eye of Greece, mother of arts
And eloquence.

Athens, the eye of Greece, mother of arts
And eloquence.

While the cock with lively din
Scatters the rear of darkness thin,
And to the stack or read more

While the cock with lively din
Scatters the rear of darkness thin,
And to the stack or the barn door
Stoutly struts his dames before.

What boots it at one gate to make defence,
And at another to let in the foe?

What boots it at one gate to make defence,
And at another to let in the foe?

Far from all resort of mirth, / Save the cricket on the hearth!

Far from all resort of mirth, / Save the cricket on the hearth!