Matthew Prior

A Rechabite poor Will must live,
And drink of Adam's ale.

A Rechabite poor Will must live,
And drink of Adam's ale.

Serene yet strong, majestic yet sedate,
Swift without violence, without terror great.

Serene yet strong, majestic yet sedate,
Swift without violence, without terror great.

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.]

What is a king? a man condemn'd to bear
The public burthen of the nation's care.

What is a king? a man condemn'd to bear
The public burthen of the nation's care.