Flamma sine Fumo or, poems without fictions. Hereunto are annexed the Causes, Symptoms, or Signes of several Diseases with their Cures, and also the diversity of Urines, with their Causes in Poetical measure. By R. W. [i.e. Rowland Watkyns] |
The tongue. |
Flamma sine Fumo | ||
The tongue.
Bona lingua nihil melius,
Mala lingua nihil pejus.
Mala lingua nihil pejus.
Give not the Bridle to thy hasty tongue,
A mad colt speeds, and may his Master wrong.
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It is distastful, and will not disgest:
The tongue is fire, soft fire gives pleasant heat,
But if it flames too high, the danger's great:
Who gives full scope, and lets his tongue go free,
Will but endanger his own Liberty.
In silent streams we find the deepest foords,
And Wisdom's most, where there is least of words:
Excessive words, which like great tides do swell
Above their banks, unhappy effects foretell.
Flamma sine Fumo | ||