Be thine of kersey firm, though small the cost,
Then brave unwet the rain, unchill'd the frost.60
If the strong cane support thy walking hand,
Chairmen no longer shall the wall command:
Ev’n sturdy carmen shall thy nod obey,
And rattling coaches stop to make thee way:
This shall direct thy cautious tread aright,65
Though not one glaring lamp enliven night.
Let beaux their canes with amber tipt produce;
Be theirs for empty show, but thine for use:
In gilded chariots while thy loll at ease,
And lazily ensure a life's disease;70
While softer chairs the tawdry load convey
To court, to White's, assemblies, or the play;
Rosy-complexion'd Health thy steps attends;
And exercise thy lasting youth defends.
Imprudent men Heav'n's choicest gifts profane:75
Thus, some beneath their arm support the cane;
The dirty point oft checks the careless pace,
And miry spots thy clean cravat disgrace:
Oh, may I never such misfortune meet!
May no such vicious walkers crowd the street!80
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4
TRIVIA.
BOOK 1.
