THIRTY-FIVE YEARS IN THE EAST. 193 



VII. 



He who would spend an a^ed life in ease, 



Must, in his habits, keep within due measure; 

 In labor, food, and sleep, the medium seize, 



in wine and women take not too much pleasure- 

 Such was the counsel of Hippocrates, 



Who thought good health was an important treasure : 

 And, at the age of six score years, expired, 

 Loved, honored, reverenced, and much admired. 



VIII. 



Night into day let no man think of turning, 

 Nor sleep by day to wake up when 'tis night ; 



A brain confused, or with strong potions burning, 

 Cannot conceive of men or things aright : 



Let me remark, such feasting folks concerning, 

 They are not wise ; but act as if in spite 



Of sense and reason ; for, surely, every one 



Requires some rest after hard labor done. 



IX. 



Why should we, glutton like, our bodies feed 

 As if we wished grim Death to cast his dart ? 



Why should we hasten to the grave with speed, 

 As if from all our friends we longed to part ? 



Of temperance every man on earth has need. 

 To save him from affliction's direful smart ; 



Then why use food as if it held the germs 



Which make ourselves rich nourishment for worms ? 



X. 



Suppose that we should wish our lamp to burn, 



We trim it, nicely, with sufficient oil ; 

 But, if we overcharge the feeding urn. 



Of course, the brilliancy of light we spoil, 

 Or, put it wholly out : hence, we may learn, 



Without much labor or fdtiguing toil. 

 If man his " feeding urn " ( his body ) surfeit, 

 The darkness of the grave must prove the forfeit. 



