Now Choose Thee, Gallant, Betwixt Wealth and Honour

Now choose thee, gallant, betwixt wealth and honour;
There lies the pelf, in sum to bear thee through
The dance of youth, and the turmoil of manhood,
Yet leave enough for age's chimney-corner ;
But an thou grasp to it, farewell Ambition !
Farewell each hope of bettering thy condition,
And raising thy low rank above the churls
That till the earth for bread !