Medulla Poetarum Romanorum Or, the Most Beautiful and Instructive Passages of the Roman Poets. Being a Collection, (Disposed under proper Heads,) Of such Descriptions, Allusions, Comparisons, Characters, and Sentiments, as may best serve to shew the Religion, Learning, Politicks, Arts, Customs, Opinions, Manners, and Circumstances of the Antients. With Translations of the same in English Verse. By Mr. Henry Baker |
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Hence almost ev'ry Crime, nor do we find,
That any Passion of the human Mind,
So oft has plung'd the Sword, or drench'd the Bowl,
As Avarice—that Tyrant of the Soul.
For he that will be rich, brooks no Delay,
But drives o'er all, and takes the shortest Way:
What Law, or Fear, or Shame can e'er restrain
The greedy Wretch in full Pursuit of Gain?—
That any Passion of the human Mind,
So oft has plung'd the Sword, or drench'd the Bowl,
As Avarice—that Tyrant of the Soul.
For he that will be rich, brooks no Delay,
But drives o'er all, and takes the shortest Way:
What Law, or Fear, or Shame can e'er restrain
The greedy Wretch in full Pursuit of Gain?—
Curs'd Gold! how high will daring Mortals rise,
In ev'ry Guilt, to reach the glitt'ring Prize?—
In ev'ry Guilt, to reach the glitt'ring Prize?—
He that buys Harps, and throws his Wealth away
On Pipes, yet never does intend to play:
He that buys Awls and Lasts, yet doth not know,
And ne'er designs to try, to make a Shoe:
Or Ships and Oars, yet is averse to Trade,
All, and there's Reason for't, would count him mad.
And what's He better, who still strives for more,
Still heaps up Wealth, yet dares not use the Store,
But fears to touch it as 'twere sacred Ore?—
On Pipes, yet never does intend to play:
He that buys Awls and Lasts, yet doth not know,
And ne'er designs to try, to make a Shoe:
Or Ships and Oars, yet is averse to Trade,
All, and there's Reason for't, would count him mad.
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Still heaps up Wealth, yet dares not use the Store,
But fears to touch it as 'twere sacred Ore?—
| Medulla Poetarum Romanorum | |