Most true, a wise man never will be sad;
But neither will sonorous, bubbling mirth,
A shallow stream of happiness betray:
Too happy to be sportive, he’s serene.
Yet would’st thou laugh (but at thy own expense),
This counsel strange should I presume to give— 770
“Retire, and read thy Bible, to be gay.”
There truths abound of sovereign aid to peace;
Ah! do not prize them less, because inspired,
As thou, and thine, are apt and proud to do.