I'd have a little cellar, cool and neat, With humming ale and virgin wine replete. Wine whets the wit, improves its native force, And gives a pleasant flavour to discourse; By making all our spirits debonair, Throws off the lees and sediment of care. But as the greatest blessing Heaven lends May be debauched, and serve ignoble ends; So, but too oft, the grape's refreshing juice Does many mischievous effects produce. My house should no such rude disorders know, As from high drinking consequently flow; Nor would I use what was so kindly given, To the dishonour of indulgent Heaven. If any neighbour came, he should be free, Used with respect, and not uneasy be, In my retreat, or to himself or me. What freedom, prudence, and right reason give, All men may, with impunity, receive: But the least swerving from their rules too much, And what's forbidden us, 'tis death to touch. IV. HIS COMPANY That life may be more comfortable yet, And all my joys refined, sincere, and great; I'd choose two friends, whose company would be A great advance to my felicity: Well-born, of humours suited to my own, Discreet, that men as well as books have known; Brave, generous, witty, and exactly free From loose behaviour or formality; Airy and prudent, merry but not light; Quick in discerning; and in judging, right; They should be secret, faithful to their trust, In reasoning cool, strong, temperate, and just; Obliging, open, without huffing, brave; Brisk in gay talking, and in sober, grave; Close in dispute, but not tenacious; tried By solemn reason, and let that decide; Not prone to lust, revenge, or envious hate; Nor busy meddlers with intrigues of state; Strangers to slander, and sworn foes to spite, Not quarrelsome, but stout enough to fight; Loyal and pious, friends to Caesar; true As dying martyrs to their Makers too. In their society I could not miss A permanent, sincere, substantial bliss. V. HIS LADY AND CONVERSE Would bounteous Heaven once more indulge, I'd choose (For who would so much satisfaction lose As witty nymphs in conversation give?) Near some obliging modest fair to live: For there's that sweetness in a female mind, Which in a man's we cannot [hope to] find; That, by a secret but a powerful art, Winds up the spring of life, and does impart Fresh, vital heat to the transported heart. I'd have her reason all her passions sway; Easy in company, in private gay; Coy to a fop, to the deserving free; Still constant to herself, and just to me. She should a soul have for great actions fit; Prudence and wisdom to direct her wit; Courage to look bold danger in the face, Not fear, but only to be proud or base; Quick to advise, by an emergence pressed, To give good counsel, or to take the best.