The poetical and dramatic works of Sir Charles Sedley Collected and Edited from the Old Editions: With a preface on the text, explanatory and textual notes, an appendix containing works of doubtful authenticity, and a bibliography: By V. de Sola Pinto |
 | I. |
 | II. |
|
 | The poetical and dramatic works of Sir Charles Sedley |  |
58
LXXVI
TO MAXIMUS
[From Martial,] Lib. 2. Ep. 53.
Wou'd'st thou be free, I fear thou art in jest;But if thou wou'd'st, this is the only Way,
Be no Man's Tavern, nor Domestick Guest;
Drink wholsom Wine, which thy own Servants draw;
Of knavish Curio, scorn the ill-got Plate,
The numerous Servants, and the cringing Throng:
With a few Friends on fewer Dishes eat,
And let thy Cloaths, like mine, be plain and strong;
Such Friendships make, as thou may'st keep with ease,
Great Men expect, what good Men hate to pay;
Be never thou thy self in pain to please,
But leave to Fools, and Knaves, th' uncertain Prey.
Let thy Expence with thy Estate keep pace;
Meddle with no Man's Business, scarce thy own;
Contented pay for a Plebeian Face,
And leave vain Fops the Beauties of the Town.
If to this Pitch of Vertue thou can'st bring
Thy Mind, th'art freer than the Persian King.
| The poetical and dramatic works of Sir Charles Sedley | |