The Modern World disrob'd or, both sexes Stript of their pretended vertue. In Two Parts. First, Of the Ladies. Secondly, Of the Gentlemen. With Familiar Descant upon every Character [by Edward Ward] |
 | I. |
| II. |
Riches acquir'd before Discretion:
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 | The Modern World disrob'd |  |
169
Riches acquir'd before Discretion:
OR, The young Extravagant Heir just come to an Estate.
176
Av'ritious
Age, or vicious Youth,
I know not which are wiser,
Since Riches are a Curse to both
The Spend-thrift and the Miser.
I know not which are wiser,
Since Riches are a Curse to both
The Spend-thrift and the Miser.
The Rake that's govern'd by no Rule,
Has too much Wealth, if any,
Because he spends it like a Fool,
Whilst he commands a Penny.
Has too much Wealth, if any,
Because he spends it like a Fool,
Whilst he commands a Penny.
The Covetous, tho' rich in Store,
With Bars and Locks abuse it;
And in the mid'st of Wealth, are poor,
Because they fear to use it.
With Bars and Locks abuse it;
And in the mid'st of Wealth, are poor,
Because they fear to use it.
Thus one is with his Riches curs'd,
Because no Rules will bind him;
The other 'cause he starves, 'till forc'd
To leave his Wealth behind him.
Because no Rules will bind him;
The other 'cause he starves, 'till forc'd
To leave his Wealth behind him.
Both are made wretched by Extreams;
One spends without reserving;
Whilst t'other's plagu'd with restless Dreams
Of Robbers, and of starving.
One spends without reserving;
Whilst t'other's plagu'd with restless Dreams
Of Robbers, and of starving.
177
But he that's vicious and profuse,
Is thought to be the better,
Because the Publick have the Use
Of what such Block-heads scatter:
Is thought to be the better,
Because the Publick have the Use
Of what such Block-heads scatter:
Whilst he that doats upon his Pelf,
Does such an Idol make on't,
He'll neither use his Gold himself,
Nor let the World partake on't.
Does such an Idol make on't,
He'll neither use his Gold himself,
Nor let the World partake on't.
Therefore, since both deserv'dly fall
Beneath our Condemnation,
Be not too close, or prodigal,
But spend with Moderation.
Beneath our Condemnation,
Be not too close, or prodigal,
But spend with Moderation.
| The Modern World disrob'd | |