University of Virginia Library

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:

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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!