For thee his counsel were not safe,

Who of sound teeth have scarce a pair.

If thou the glass or me believe,

Shun mirth, as foplings do the wind;

At Cibber’s face affect to grieve,

And let thy eyes alone be kind.

If thou art wise see dismal plays,

And to sad stories lend thy ear;

With the afflicted spend thy days,

And laugh not above once a year.