[Tea-Table Miscellany Contents]
Part of an EPILOGUE sung after the acting of the Orphan and Gentle Shepherd in Taylor’s hall, by a Set of young Gentlemen, January 22, 1729.
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Tune, Bessy Bell.
–
THus let us study night and day,
To fit us for our station,
That when we’re men we parts may play
Are useful to our nation.
For now’s the time, when we are young
To fix our views on merit,
Water its buds, and make the tongue
And action suite the spirit.
–
This all the fair and wise approve,
We know it by your smiling,
And while we gain respect and love,
Our studies are not toiling.
Such application gives delight,
And in the end proves gainful,
Tho’ mony a dark and lifeless wight,
May think it hard and painful.
–
Then never let us think our time
And care, when thus employed,
Are thrown away, but deem’t a crime,
When youth’s by sloth destroyed;
‘Tis only active souls can rise
To fame and all that’s splendid,
And favour in these conquering eyes,
‘Gainst whom no heart’s defended.
