But what's a head with two such gouty hands?[497]

The wise and wealthy love the surest way,

And are content to thrive and to obey.

But wisdom is to sloth too great a slave;

None are so busy as the fool and knave.

Those let me curse; what vengeance will they urge,

Whose ordures neither plague nor fire can purge;

Nor sharp experience can to duty bring,

Nor angry heaven, nor a forgiving king!

In gospel-phrase their chapmen they betray;