" "Very good," retorted
Blackstrap; "but you know, gentlemen, that the beaux of this house must
be better off for the belle. We will allow you of the Fleece your rustic
enjoyments, seeing that you are country gentlemen, for your hotel is
certainly out of the town." A good-natured sally that quickly restored
harmony, and called forth another song from the muse of Blackstrap.
HEALTH, COMPETENCE, AND GOOD-HUMOUR.
Let titles and fame on ambition be shed,
Or history's page of great heroes relate;
The motto I'd choose to encircle my head
Is competence, health, and good-humour elate.
~265~~
The chaplet of virtue, by friendship entwined,
Sheds a lustre that rarely encircles the great;
While health and good-humour eternally find
A competence smiling on every state.
No luxuries seeking my board to encumber,
Contented receiving what Providence sends;
Age brightens with pleasure, while virtue may number
Competence, health, and good-humour as friends.
Then, neighbours, let's smile at old Chronos and care;
Still shielded with honour, we're fearless of fate:
With the sports of the field and the joys of the fair,
We've competence, health, and good-humour elate.
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