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LIX
TO MAXIMINA

[From Martial,] Lib. 2. Ep. 41

Ovid, who bid the Ladies laugh,
Spoke only to the Young and Fair;
For Thee his Council were not safe,
Who of sound Teeth has[t] scarce a Pair;
If thou thy Glass, or Me believe,
Shun Mirth, as Foplings do the Wind;
At Durfey's Farce affect to grieve;
And let thy Eyes alone be kind.
Speak not, tho't were to give Consent;
For he that sees those rotten Bones,
Will dread the[ir] monumental Scent,
And fly thy Sigh's like dying Groans.
If thou art wise, see dismal Plays,
And to sad Stories lend thy Ear;
With the afflicted, spend thy Days,
And laugh not above once a Year.