In prime of Youth, when years and Wit were ripe, Unhappy Will, to ruin led the way. Wit danced about, when Folly 'gan to pipe; And Will and he together went astray. Nought then but Pleasure, was the good they sought! Which now Repentance proves too dearly bought. XXXVI. [Sidenote: _Est virtus pracitis abstinuisse bonis._] He that in matters of delight and pleasure, Can bridle his outrageous affection; And temper it in some indifferent measure, Doth prove himself a man of good direction. In conquering Will, true courage most is shown; And sweet temptations makes men's virtues known. XXXVII. [Sidenote: _Invidia fatorum series summisque negatum stare diu._] Each natural thing, by course of Kind, we see, In his perfection long continueth not. Fruits once full ripe, will then fall from the tree; Or in due time not gathered, soon will rot. It is decreed, by doom of Powers Divine, Things at their height, must thence again decline. XXXVIII. Thy large smooth forehead, wrinkled shall appear! Vermillion hue, to pale and wan shall turn! Time shall deface what Youth has held most dear! Yea, these clear Eyes (which once my heart did burn) Shall, in their hollow circles, lodge the night; And yield more cause of terror, than delight! XXXIX. [Sidenote: _Quanto piace al mondo, e breve sogno._] Lo here, the Record of my follies past, The fruits of Wit unstaid, and hours misspent! Full wise is he that perils can forecast, And so, by others' harms, his own prevent. All Worldly Pleasure that delights the Sense, Is but a short Sleep, and Time's vain expense! XL. The sun hath twice his annual course performed, Since first unhappy I, began to love; Whose errors now, by Reason's rule reformed, Conceits of Love but smoke and shadows prove. Who, of his folly, seeks more praise to win; Where I have made an end, let him begin! _J.C._ FINIS. [Illustration] FOOTNOTES: [4] _DIOGENES._ [5] _CHAUCER._ [6] _pincers._ Sir THOMAS OVERBURY HIS _OBSERVATIONS_, IN HIS TRAVELS, _UPON THE STATE OF THE_ _SEVENTEEN PROVINCES_, _AS THEY STOOD ANNO DOMINI 1609_; _THE TREATY OF PEACE BEING THEN ON FOOT_. [Illustration] Printed. M.DC.XXVI. [In approximately estimating the present value of the money of 1609; we have multiplied by 4-1/2.] Sir