The Works of Capt. Alex. Radcliffe In one Volume ... The Third Edition Augmented [by Alexander Radcliffe] |
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Tell me dearest pr'ythee do, Why thou wilt and wilt not too, &c.
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 | The Works of Capt. Alex. Radcliffe |  |
Tell me dearest pr'ythee do, Why thou wilt and wilt not too, &c.
Tell me, Jack, I pr'ythee do,
Why the Glass still sticks with you:
What does Bus'ness signifie,
If you let your Claret die?
Wine when first pour'd from the Bottle
All its strength and vigour flies;
So says ancient Aristotle.
If it stand
In your hand,
It will then disband
All its Spirits in a trice.
Who dares then refuse to swallow
All the Wine that out he puts,
Will find some heavy Judgments follow,
Vinegar,
Single Beer,
Or such dismal Gear,
To torment his wambling Guts.
Why the Glass still sticks with you:
What does Bus'ness signifie,
If you let your Claret die?
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All its strength and vigour flies;
So says ancient Aristotle.
If it stand
In your hand,
It will then disband
All its Spirits in a trice.
Who dares then refuse to swallow
All the Wine that out he puts,
Will find some heavy Judgments follow,
Vinegar,
Single Beer,
Or such dismal Gear,
To torment his wambling Guts.
Since to all subduing Wine
Lofty Arguments resign;
He wrongs himself that sits and prates
Of grave Matters or Debates.
Talk not then of Merchandizes,
Or what Interest may accrue
By Taxes, Subsidies, Excises,
Liberty,
Property,
Or Monopoly;
'Slife 'tis enough to make one spue.
Be as you were ever jolly,
Let it not stick at your door;
Bus'ness is the greatest folly.
Here's a Glass,
Let it pass,
He's a formal Ass,
That e'er talks of Bus'ness more.
Lofty Arguments resign;
He wrongs himself that sits and prates
Of grave Matters or Debates.
30
Or what Interest may accrue
By Taxes, Subsidies, Excises,
Liberty,
Property,
Or Monopoly;
'Slife 'tis enough to make one spue.
Be as you were ever jolly,
Let it not stick at your door;
Bus'ness is the greatest folly.
Here's a Glass,
Let it pass,
He's a formal Ass,
That e'er talks of Bus'ness more.
| The Works of Capt. Alex. Radcliffe | |