Appear’d, and sought in various ways employ;

Who soon, thus cast upon the world, began

To show the talents of a thriving man.

With spirit high John learn’d the world to brave,

And in both senses was a ready knave;

Knave as of old obedient, keen, and quick,

Knave as of present, skill’d to shift and trick;

Some humble part of many trades he caught,

He for the builder and the painter wrought;

For serving-maids on secret errands ran,