On Riches.
I
Allow a Merchant should forsake
His Kindred, Friends and Native Soil,
And should a willing Exile make
His wild Abode some Indian Isle;
II
Should Hoards of Treasure there pursue,
And Wealth above his Wishes find,
Which, when he quits the barb'rous Shore,
The Fool resolves to leave behind:
III
That Man is equally of Sense,
Of Reason and Reflexion void,
Who here amassing Stores immense,
In endless Labour is employ'd;
IV
Which, when he parts with fleeting Life,
And quits this World for that unknown,
He knows he must, with hopeless Grief,
Behind him leave, no more his own.
V
Good Heav'n! That Trav'llers, who must make
So short a Stay upon the Road
Of this vain Life, should so mistake
Their Journey for their fixt Abode!
