Like fickle Seasons, in the varying Year.

A sad it is, but melancholy Truth,

How small, how slippery is the path of Youth:

Many, no doubt, incautious, weak, and blind,

Betraying want of prudence, want of mind,

Impetuously advance, nor look before—

They unlamented sink—to rise no more:

Others again, by observation guided,

Step firmly on, determined, and decided;

One solid Object steadily pursue,