The Ingoldsby Legends or, Mirth and Marvels. By Thomas Ingoldsby [i.e. R. H. Barham] |
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 | The Ingoldsby Legends |  |
MORAL.
And now for some practical hints from the story
Of Aunt Fan's mishap, which I've thus laid before ye;
For, if rather too gay, I can venture to say,
A fine vein of morality is, in each lay
Of my primitive Muse, the distinguishing trait!—
Of Aunt Fan's mishap, which I've thus laid before ye;
For, if rather too gay, I can venture to say,
A fine vein of morality is, in each lay
Of my primitive Muse, the distinguishing trait!—
First of all—Don't put off till to-morrow what may
Without inconvenience, be managed to-day!
That golden occasion we call “Opportunity”
Rarely's neglected by man with impunity!
And the “Future,” how brightly soe'er by Hope's dupe colour'd,
Ne'er may afford You a lost chance restored,
Till both you, and YOUR SHIRT, are grown old and pea-soup-colour'd!
Without inconvenience, be managed to-day!
That golden occasion we call “Opportunity”
Rarely's neglected by man with impunity!
And the “Future,” how brightly soe'er by Hope's dupe colour'd,
Ne'er may afford You a lost chance restored,
Till both you, and YOUR SHIRT, are grown old and pea-soup-colour'd!
I would also desire You to guard your attire,
Young Ladies,—and never go too near the fire!—
—Depend on't there's many a dear little Soul
Has found that a Spark is as bad as a coal,—
And “in her best petticoat burnt a great hole!”
Last of all, gentle Reader, don't be too secure!—
Let seeming success never make you “cock-sure!”
But beware!—and take care, When all things look fair,
How you hang your Shirt over the back of your chair!—
—There's many a slip 'Twixt the cup and the lip!”
Be this excellent proverb, then well understood, [wood!!!
And Don't halloo before you're quite out of the
Young Ladies,—and never go too near the fire!—
—Depend on't there's many a dear little Soul
Has found that a Spark is as bad as a coal,—
And “in her best petticoat burnt a great hole!”
Last of all, gentle Reader, don't be too secure!—
Let seeming success never make you “cock-sure!”
But beware!—and take care, When all things look fair,
How you hang your Shirt over the back of your chair!—
—There's many a slip 'Twixt the cup and the lip!”
Be this excellent proverb, then well understood, [wood!!!
And Don't halloo before you're quite out of the
| The Ingoldsby Legends | |