In imitation of Martials Epigram. Si tecum mihi care Martialis, &c. L. 5. Ep. 21:

IF, dearest Friend, it my good Fate might bee
T' enjoy at once a quiet Life and Thee;
If we for Happiness could leisure finde,
And wandring Time into a Method binde,
We should not sure the Great Mens favour need,
Nor on long Hopes, the Courts thin Diet, feed.
We should not Patience find daily to hear,
The Calumnies, and Flatteries spoken there.
We should not the Lords Tables humbly use,
Or talk in Ladies Chambers Love and News.
But Books, and wise Discourse, Gardens and Fields,
And all the joys that unmixt Natures yields.
Thick Summer shades where Winter still does ly,
Bright Winter Fires that Summers part supply.
Sleep not controll'd by Cares, confin'ed to Night,
Or bound in any rule but Appetite.
Free, but not savage or ungracious Mirth,
Rich Wines to give it quick and easie birth.
A few Companions, which ourselves should chuse,
A Gentle Mistress, and a Gentler Muse.
Such, dearest Friend, such without doubt should be
Our Plac, our Business, and our Companie.
Now to Himself, alas, does neither Live,
But sees good Suns, of which we are to give
A strict account, set and march thick away;
Knows a man how to Live, and does he stay?