Ex otio Negotium :: :: University of Virginia Library

(Lupus) thou gavest a Farm in Rome to mee,
A larger through my loop-hole I can see,
But canst thou this a Living call or prove?
Which one poor sprig of Rue shades like a Grove?

Which one sly Grashopper's wing hides all ore?
And which an Ant can in a day devoure?
Which with a Rose-leaf may be crown'd,
In which a larger herb cannot be found
Than a small Pepper-blade that's newly sprung?
In which a Cucumer can't lye along?
Nor Serpent safely dwell unlesse half seen?
The Garden scarce a Cancker-worm can dine,
The wood consumed it starves a single Moth,
A Mole's my laborer and Plough-man both,
A Mushroom cannot blow in't, nor a Rush
Smile, nor sweet Violets their heads forth push.
A Mouse layes wast the bounds by the Farmer more
Is fear'd than was the Caladonian Bore.
The Herbage in a Swallow's foot at best
Is carryed at a burden to her Nest.
Nor can Priapus when hee's but half man'd
Without a prick or sickle in it stand.
The gathered Crop will scarce a Snails house fill,
The Vintage may be housed in a Nut-shell.
(Lupus) thou err'dst but in a single letter,
For when thou gavest mee this thou hadst done better
To have invited mee—to dine with thee.

Prædium, prandium.