William Cowper

Absence of occupation is not rest,
A mind quite vacant is a mind distress'd.

Absence of occupation is not rest,
A mind quite vacant is a mind distress'd.

How much a dunce that has been sent to roam, excels a dunce that has been kept at home.

How much a dunce that has been sent to roam, excels a dunce that has been kept at home.

Now stir the fire, and close the shudders fast,
Let fall the curtains, wheel the sofa round,
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Now stir the fire, and close the shudders fast,
Let fall the curtains, wheel the sofa round,
And while the bubbling and loud-hissing urn
Throws up a steamy column, and the cups,
That cheer but not inebriate, wait on each,
So let us welcome peaceful evening in.

When admirals extoll'd for standing still,
Of doing nothing with a deal of skill.

When admirals extoll'd for standing still,
Of doing nothing with a deal of skill.

A billion here, a billion there, pretty soon it's real money.

A billion here, a billion there, pretty soon it's real money.