William Shenstone

Oft has good nature been the fool's defence,
And honest meaning gilded want of sense.

Oft has good nature been the fool's defence,
And honest meaning gilded want of sense.

Perch'd on the cedar's topmost bough,
And gay with gilded wings,
Perchance the patron of his vow,
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Perch'd on the cedar's topmost bough,
And gay with gilded wings,
Perchance the patron of his vow,
Some artless linnet sings.

For seldom shall she hear a tale
So said, so tender, yet so true.

For seldom shall she hear a tale
So said, so tender, yet so true.

Whoe'er has travel'd life's dull round,
Where'er his stages may have been,
May sigh to think he read more

Whoe'er has travel'd life's dull round,
Where'er his stages may have been,
May sigh to think he still has found
The warmest welcome, at an inn.

Her cap, far whiter than the driven snow,
Emblem right meet of decency does yield.

Her cap, far whiter than the driven snow,
Emblem right meet of decency does yield.