It may be observed that such ideas, however poetical, have no great degree of propriety when introduced into Christian elegies, as we have no belief that the soul is in danger of being oppressed by a monument or stifled in a grave.--_Steevens._ [8] These customs are still preserved by the inferior ranks of females in different parts of the kingdom. Among others, they frequently fast on St Agnes' Eve, and at the same time make use of several singular rites and ceremonies; all which are described and ridiculed in Gay's comedy of the "Wife of Bath." See also ["Popular Antiquities of Great Britain," 1870, i. 20, _et alibi_.] ACT II. EARTHWORM, THEODORE. EARTH. I do not more rejoice in all my stores, My wealthy bags, fill'd garners, crowded chests, And all the envi'd heaps that I have glean'd With so long care and labour, than I do In thy most frugal nature, Theodore, Concurring just with mine. In thee, my son, I see, methinks, a perpetuity Of all the projects which my soul has hatch'd, And their rich fruits: I see my happiness, When I consider what great hoards of wealth, With long care rak'd together, I have seen Even in a moment scatter'd; when I view The gaudy heirs of thriving aldermen Fleeting like short-liv'd bubbles into air, And all that fire expiring in one blaze, That was so long a-kindling. But do thou, Do thou, my son, go on, and grow in thrift; It is a virtue that rewards itself. 'Tis matterless in goodness who excels; He that hath coins hath all perfections else. THEO. Sir, I am wholly yours, and never can Degenerate from your frugality; Or, if my nature did a little stray, Your good example would direct it still, Till it were grown in me habitual. EARTH. 'Twill be a greater patrimony to thee Than all my wealth: strive to be perfect in't; Study the rules. One rule is general. And that is, give away nothing, son; For thrift is like a journey; every gift, Though ne'er so small, is a step back again. He that would rise to riches or renown Must not regard, though he pull millions down. THEO. That lesson, sir, is easy to be learn'd. EARTH. Laugh at those fools that are ambitious Of empty air, to be styl'd liberal! That sell their substance for the breath of others, And with the flattering thanks of idle drones Are swelled, while their solid parts decay. What clothes to wear?--the first occasion Of wearing clothes will teach a wise man best. THEO. True, sir; it teacheth us how vain a thing It is for men to take a pride in that, Which was at first the emblem of their shame.[9] EARTH. Thou hitt'st it right: but canst thou be content With my poor diet too? THEO. O, wondrous well! 'Twas such a diet which that happy age, That poets style the golden, first did use.