The footman's friendly advice To his Brethren of the Livery; And to all Servants in General: ... To which is Prefix'd, An Introduction, humbly Submitted to the Consideration of all Noblemen, Gentlemen, and Ladies, who keep many Servants. Also a postscript, In Answer To Squire Moreton's Pamphlet, Intituled, Every Body's Business is no Body's. By R. D. [i.e. Robert Dodsley] |
 |
|
CAREFULNESS. |
 | The footman's friendly advice |  |
CAREFULNESS.
But Honesty, tho' highly to be priz'd,
As that in which most Virtues are compriz'd;
Is not, alone, sufficient to compleat
Him, who in Servitude must earn his Meat.
'Tis not enough that we ourselves are true,
We must take Care that others are so too;
For should we be unmindful of our Trust,
'Tis much the same, as if we were unjust:
If others cheat, embezzle, and purloin,
Through my Neglect, the Fault as much is mine,
As if I actually with them combine.
For Masters on our Care as much rely,
As on our Justice and Integrity:
Therefore to them it is the self-same Cheat,
Or done by Carelesness, or by Deceit.
As that in which most Virtues are compriz'd;
Is not, alone, sufficient to compleat
Him, who in Servitude must earn his Meat.
'Tis not enough that we ourselves are true,
We must take Care that others are so too;
For should we be unmindful of our Trust,
'Tis much the same, as if we were unjust:
If others cheat, embezzle, and purloin,
Through my Neglect, the Fault as much is mine,
As if I actually with them combine.
18
As on our Justice and Integrity:
Therefore to them it is the self-same Cheat,
Or done by Carelesness, or by Deceit.
Daniel Decant an honest Butler was,
As ever tapp'd a Cask, or fill'd a Glass;
He never wrong'd his Master of a Cup,
And, for his own Part, rarely drank a Sup:
But Daniel, now and then, if call'd away,
In heedless Haste runs and forgets his Key.
This in the Door the thirsty Coachman spies;
He tips the Wink to Tom, Tom minds his Eyes;
Joyful down Stairs they haste, their Thirst appease,
And three or four the largest Bottles seize,
Which to a private Hole convey'd by Stealth,
Serve at convenient Times to drink poor Daniel's Health.
Here Daniel cheats his Master by Neglect,
As much as if he really did the Fact;
For so much Wine, if from his Cellar gone,
Is so much Loss, which Way soe'er 'tis done.
Let us be careful then as well as just,
So shall our Masters safely us intrust.
As ever tapp'd a Cask, or fill'd a Glass;
He never wrong'd his Master of a Cup,
And, for his own Part, rarely drank a Sup:
But Daniel, now and then, if call'd away,
In heedless Haste runs and forgets his Key.
This in the Door the thirsty Coachman spies;
He tips the Wink to Tom, Tom minds his Eyes;
Joyful down Stairs they haste, their Thirst appease,
And three or four the largest Bottles seize,
Which to a private Hole convey'd by Stealth,
Serve at convenient Times to drink poor Daniel's Health.
Here Daniel cheats his Master by Neglect,
As much as if he really did the Fact;
For so much Wine, if from his Cellar gone,
Is so much Loss, which Way soe'er 'tis done.
Let us be careful then as well as just,
So shall our Masters safely us intrust.
| The footman's friendly advice | |