An EPIGRAM. Written to the Duke de Noailles.
18th Century Matthew Prior EnglishAn EPIGRAM.
Written to the Duke de Noailles.
Vain the Concern which You express, That uncall'd Alard will possess Your House and Coach, both Day and Night; And that Mackbeth was haunted less By Banquo's restless Spright.
With Fifteen Thousand Pound a Year, Do You complain, You cannot bear An Ill, You may so soon retrieve? Good Alard, faith, is modester By much, than You believe.
Lend Him but fifty Louis d'or; And You shall never see Him more: Take the Advice; Probatum est. Why do the Gods indulge our Store, But to secure our Rest?