Whom the wise God of nature gave,
Mad mortals from themselves to save.
Keep as of old the middle way,
Nor deeply sad nor idly gay;
But still the same in look and gait,
Easy, cheerful, and sedate,
Keep as of old the middle way.”
With such didactic commonplaces as the above, Moderato commends temperance, health, contentment, frugality, equanimity, and chaste love, and bids them,—
“Come, with gentle hand restrain
Those who fondly court their bane;