HE whose advent'rous keel ploughs the rough seas, Takes interest of fate for wealth's increase. He that in battle traffics, and pitch'd fields, Reaps with his sword rich harvests, which war yields. Base parasites repose their drunken heads, Laden with sleep and wine, on Tyrian beds; And he that melts in Lust's adult'rous fire, Gets both reward and pleasure for his hire. But Learning only, midst this wanton heat, Hath (save itself) nothing to wear or eat; Faintly exclaiming on the looser Times, That value Wit and Arts below their crimes. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...IRELAND (1847) by DENIS FLORENCE MCCARTHY SONG, WRITTEN AT SEA, IN THE FIRST DUTCH WAR, 1665 ... by CHARLES SACKVILLE (1637-1706) A BALLAD OF LIFE by ALGERNON CHARLES SWINBURNE WILD PLUM BLOSSOMS by EVA K. ANGLESBURG THE RIGHT MARY by CLARIBEL WEEKS AVERY THE WEDDING DAY; OR, THE BUCCANEER'S CURSE; A FAMILY LEGEND by RICHARD HARRIS BARHAM |