The Moral.
Shun both extremes, each of them danger brings:
Be not Familiar, nor contend with Kings.
Another Parafrase of the same.
Out of a Millers House a sudden Flood
Carried two Vessels, one of Potters Earth,
And one of heavy solid Metal made.
The Earthen Pot the other oversaild,
Dancing upon the Billows like a Cork;
But her Companion, who much Water drew,
And slowly movd, finding he strove in vain
T' oretake her, she was got so far before:
He cryd aloud, Sister, dear Sister stay
For your old Friend, hear what I have to say:
Lets make this perilous Voyage hand in hand,
And spend the time in Conference till we land.
Sir, said the Earthen Pot, it grieves me much
I cannot now comply with your desire;
For if we should by chance together knock,
What will become of me poor brittle Crock?
Who can secure me from your Iron Frock?
