'My boy,' said he, 'I hope you'll not be grieved,

But be advised, at this your dawn of life,

To start your course unburdened with a wife;

Not that I doubt the value of your choice,

Your conduct ever makes my heart rejoice.

Still wait a while until your skill and fame

Shall add a doctor's title to your name;

You'll then have seen the ways, and struggles, too,

Of this vain world (placed in their proper view),

And p'rhaps may many anxious moments save,