192 THIRTY-FIVE YEARS IN THE EAST. 



II!. 



This lesson have I learned in nature's school — 

 To act as she dictates, A calm, contented mind 



I sought ; took food and exercise by rule ; 

 And hence, was able year to year to bind. 



Our delicate construction^ man's misrule 

 Too oft destroys body, and, with it, mind. 



It was not by the aid of drug, nor herb, nor charro,. 



I reached old-age, and kept life free from harm. 



IV. 



The curing virtues which in med'cines dwell, 



Should in disease alone be in request ; 

 If you resort to them when you are well, 



You may expect them to disturb your rest. 

 Besides, you rob them of their power disease to quell,. 



If in your service they are idly pressed ; 

 They who would not medicaments forestall, 

 Should take in health no medicines at all. 



V. 



By tinctures, powders, mixtures, draughts, and pills^ 

 A hale man always undermines his strength ; 



Lavs the foundation for a host of ills, 



Which take away from life degrees of length : 



Medicine not needed, many a person kills, 



Which, kept till wanted, might give health and strength ; 



He who a sink-hole of his body makes, 



Decided steps for its destruction takes, 



VI. 



Those are mistaken who in every Spring 

 And Autumn fancy that they physic need ; 



Nature relieves herself : both man and thing 

 Are subject to her laws ; to purge and bleed 



For custom's sake, what is it but to fling 



Health, strength, and life away ? Blockhead indeed 



Is he, who swallows med'cines he does not require ; 



Long ere his time, shall such a dunce expire. 



