^THlRtY-TlVE VEA-RS IN TtVE EAST. 195 



XV. 



*rherefofe I say to those who age admire, 



In the free air gaily yourselves disport ; 

 And of its virtues full supply acquire, 



By vigorous exercise and merry sport ; 

 So may each one most healthfully respire, 



And strengthen every outwork of life's fort ■; 

 By air and exercise the body thrives, 

 And men of sense thus lengthen out their lives. 



XVI. 



But, while I thus commend the bracing air, 



I must enjoin, in terms not less emphatic, 

 That you avoid all drafts ; for they prepare 



The way, and bring on pains rheumatic, 

 Which to remove may baffle all your care, 



And leave, for years, those twinges so erratic ; 

 Air is of use, but drafts are dangerous things^ 

 And spare not peasants, merchants, bankers, kings, 



XVII. 



Also avoid, as you would shun the pest, 



Air that is foul, no matter how created ; 

 In crowded rooms be not a frequent guest, 



Nor sit for hoars with wine or grog elated ; 

 Foul-air and drinking will disturb your rest. 



And bring on pains not easily abated ; 

 And should you feel such fumes affect your brain, 

 Rush to fresh-air to make you well again. 



XVIII, 



Cleanliness is next to Godliness, says Paul ; 



And common-sense corroborates his saying ; 

 Some wash but seldom, others not all — 



Yet, washing is as needful, oft, as praying : 

 If once you into filthy habits fall, 



You are from prudence and religion straying; 

 Keep pure your body by such free ablutions 

 As may preserve you from unclean pollutions. 

 29 



