Some Caveats

When petty Pleasures are procur'd with Gold,
When youth is gone, and we decrpeid old,
There's no more Gusto than a Tale twice told.

The greatest Monarchs, while they flourished,
Were honour'd and ador'd; but being dead,
Were soon forgot, and only pitied.

So that whatever Marble Tombs pretend,
All their gay glories never can defend
Their pamper'd bodies from the Beggar's end.

Caesar and Alexander both became
The highest splendor of a glorious Name;
And yet in some things both deserved blame.

So that, when Men have all the World subdu'd,
They may themselves, and all their Fame delude,
Unless they do in Piety conclude.

Those mighty Hero's car'd not to be good,
(But brave) because they never understood
The sacred Sanction of our Saviour's Blood.

But those who saw the Miracles he did,
And heard how boldly he their Crimes forbid,
Are justly scourg'd, instead of being chid.

What's our due then, who do believe, yet run
The course which that accursed Crew begun,
To flight God, and re-crucifie his Son?

Which shews Men want some Caveats to restrain
The idle Fancies of a busie Brain,
That frequent losses bring, instead of gain.

These serious Thoughts are Caveats to despise
Such Crimes, as from our idle hours may rise,
And captivate our Senses in disguise.

Till by a power divine we can obtain
Such bright, serener joys, as will sustain
Our Souls, and to eternity remain.

For we are born to learn, and to express,
By daily actions, what we do prosess
To purchase everlasting happiness.