LXXVI. The House and Feast of Wisdom.

SEE the fair Structure Wisdom rears,
Her Messengers attend;
And charm'd by her persuasive Voice,
To her your Footsteps bend.

"Hear me, ye simple ones she cries,
"That lur'd by Folly stray,
"And languish to eternal Death
"In her detested Way.

"Enter my hospitable Gate,
"And all my Banquet share;
"For heav'nly Wine surrounds my Board,
"And Angels Food is there.

"Freely of every Dainty taste,
"Taste, and for ever live;
"And mingle with your Joys the Hopes
"Of all a God can give.

"But if seduc'd by Folly's Arts,
"Ye seek her pois'nous Food;
"Know, that the dreadful Moment hasts,
"Which pays the Feast with Blood."