[91] I am here reminded of an old epigram on a “Fat Doctor,” in the Christmas Treat, xxxiii.
“When Tadloe treads the streets, the paviers cry
‘God bless you, sir!’ and lay their rammers by.”
SONNET.
From the Spanish of Quevedo.
For the Table Book.
“En el mundo naciste, no a emmendarle.”
In this wide world, beware to think, my friend,
Thy lot is cast to change it, or amend;
But to perform thy part, and give thy share
Of pitying aid; not to subdue, but bear.
If prudent, thou may’st know the world; if wise,
In virtue strong, thou may’st the world despise;
For good, be grateful—be to ill resign’d,
And to the better world exalt thy mind.
The peril of thy soul in this world fear,
But yet th’ Almighty’s wondrous work revere;
See all things good but man; and chiefly see,
With eye severe, the faults that dwell in thee.
On them exert thine energies, and try
Thyself to mend, ere judge the earth and sky.