Matthew Prior

When people once are in the wrong,
Each line they add is much too long;
Who fastest read more

When people once are in the wrong,
Each line they add is much too long;
Who fastest walks, but walks astray,
Is only furthest from his way.

In vain I trusted that the flowing bowl
Would banish sorrow, and enlarge the soul.
To the read more

In vain I trusted that the flowing bowl
Would banish sorrow, and enlarge the soul.
To the late revel, and protracted feast,
Wild dreams succeeded, and disorder'd rest.

Let me skim the water with one oar, and with the other touch
sand. [Go not out of your read more

Let me skim the water with one oar, and with the other touch
sand. [Go not out of your depth.]

Now fitted the halter, now travers'd the cart,
And often took leave; but was loth to part.

Now fitted the halter, now travers'd the cart,
And often took leave; but was loth to part.

They never taste who always drink;
They always talk who never think.

They never taste who always drink;
They always talk who never think.