But, [75]as in laughter, set a witness by;
Mistrust destroys us and credulity.
Let no fair woman tempt thy sliding mind
[76]With garment gather’d in a knot behind;
She [77]prattling with gay speech inquires thy home;
But trust a woman, and a thief is come.
One only son his father’s house may tend,
And e’en with one domestic hoards ascend:
Then mayst thou leave a second son behind:
For many sons from heaven shall wealth obtain;