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Wine whets the wit, improves its native force,
And gives a pleasant flavour to discourse;
By making all our spirits debonair,
Throws off the lees, the sediment of care :
But as the greatest blessing Heaven lends
May be debauch'd, and serve ignoble ends,
So, but too oft', the grape's refreshing juice
Does many mischievous effects produce.
My house should no such rude disorders know,
As from high drinking consequently flow,
Nor would I use what was so kindly giv'n
To the dishonour of indulgent Heav'n.
If any neighbour came he should be free,
Us'd with respect, and not uneasy be
In my retreat, or to himself or me.

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What freedom, prudence, and right reason, give 70 All men may, with impunity receive;

But the least swerving from their rule's too much; For what's forbidden us 'tis death to touch.

That life may be more comfortable yet,

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And all my joys refin'd, sincere, and great, 75
I'd chuse two friends, whose company would be
A great advance to my felicity;

Well born, of humours suited to my own,
Discreet, and men as well as books have known;
Brave, gen'rous, witty, and exactly free
From loose behaviour or formality;
Airy and prudent; merry, but not light;
Quick in discerning, and in judging right;

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Secret they should be, faithful to their trust,
In reas'ning cool, strong, temperate, and just; 85
Obliging, open, without huffing brave,

Brisk in gay talking, and in sober grave;
Close in dispute, but not tenacious; try'd
By solid reason, and let that decide;
Not prone to lust, revenge, or envious hate,
Nor busy meddlers with intrigues of state;
Strangers to slander, and sworn foes to spite;
Not quarrelsome, but stout enough to fight;
Loyal and pious, friends to Cæsar; true,
As dying martyrs, to their Maker too :
In their society I could not miss

A permanent, sincere, substantial, bliss.

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Would bounteous Heav'n once more indulge, I'd (For who would so much satisfaction lose [choose As witty nymphs in conversation give?)

Near some obliging modest fair to live;
For there's that sweetness in a female mind,
Which in a man's we cannot hope to find;
That, by a secret but a pow'rful art,

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Winds up the spring of life, and does impart > 105
Fresh vital heat to the transported heart.

I'd have her reason all her passion sway;
Easy in company, in private gay; ›
Coy to a fop, to the deserving free;
Still constant to herself, and just to me:
A soul she should have for great actions fit,
Prudence and wisdom to direct her wit;..

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Courage to look bold Danger in the face
No fear, but only to be proud or base;
Quick to advise, by an emergence prest,
To give good counsel, or to take the best:
I'd have th'expression of her thoughts be such,
She might not seem reserv'd, nor talk too much;
That shews a want of judgment and of sense;
More than enough is but impertinence:
Her conduct regular, her mirth refin'd,
Civil to strangers, to her neighbours kind ;
Averse to vanity, revenge, and pride,
In all the methods of deceit untry'd ;
So faithful to her friend, and good to all,
No censure might upon her actions fall:
Then would ev'n Envy be compell'd to say-
She goes the least of woman-kind astray.

To this fair creature I'd sometimes retire,
Her conversation would new joys inspire,
Give life an edge so keen, no surly care
Would venture to assault my soul, or dare
Near my retreat, to hide one secret snare.
But so divine, so noble, a repast
I'd seldom, and with moderation taste;
For highest cordials all their virtue lose
By a too frequent and too bold a use;
And what would cheer the spirits in distress
Ruins our health when taken to excess.
I'd be concern'd in no litigious jar;

Belov'd by all, not vainly popular.

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Whate'er assistance I had pow'r to bring,
T'oblige my country, or to serve my king,
Whene'er they call'd, I'd readily afford
My tongue, my pen, my counsel, or my sword.
Law-suits I'd shun with as much studious care 146
As I would dens were hungry lions are,

And rather put up injuries than be

A plague to him who'd be a plague to me.
I value quiet at a price too great

To give for my revenge so dear a rate;
For what do we by all our bustle gain
But counterfeit delight for real pain;

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If Heav'n a date of many years would give, Thus I'd in pleasure, ease, and plenty, live; And as I near approach'd the verge of life, Some kind relation (for I'd have no wife) Should take upon him all my worldly care, Whilst I did for a better state prepare: Then I'd not be with any trouble vex'd, Nor have the ev'ning of my days perplex'd, But, by a silent and a peaceful death, Without a sigh resign my aged breath : And when committed to the dust, I'd have Few tears, but friendly, dropp'd into my grave: Then would my exit so propitious be,

All men would wish to live and die like me. 167

A VISION..

THO'gloomy thoughts disturb'd my anxious breast
All the long night, and drove away my rest,
Just as the dawning day began to rise
A grateful slumber clos'd my waking eyes;
But active fancy to strange regions flew,
And brought surprising objects to my view.

Methought I walk'd in a delightful grove,
The soft retreat of gods, when gods make love
Each beauteous object my charm'd soul amaz'd,
And I on each with equal wonder gaz'd,
Nor knew which most delighted; all was fine,
The noble product of some Pow'r divine:
But as I travers'd the obliging shade,
Which myrtle, jessamine, and roses, made,
'I saw a person whose celestial face

At first declar'd her goddes of the place;
But I discover'd, when approaching near,
An aspect full of beauty, but severe:
Bold and majestic, ev'ry awful look
Into my soul a secret horror struck :
Advancing farther on she made a stand,

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And beckon'd me; I kneeling, kiss'd her hand; Then thus began-" Bright Deity! (for so "You are, no mortals such perfections know) "I may intrude; but how I was convey'd "To this strange place, or by what pow'rful aid,

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