I'd have th' expressions of her thoughts be such, She might not seem reserved, nor talk too much: That shows a want of judgment and of sense; More than enough is but impertinence. Her conduct regular, her mirth refined; Civil to strangers, to her neighbours kind; Averse to vanity, revenge, and pride; In all the methods of deceit untried; So faithful to her friend, and good to all, No censure might upon her actions fall: Then would e'en envy be compelled to say She goes the least of womankind astray. To this fair creature I'd sometimes retire; Her conversation would new joys inspire; Give life an edge so keen, no surly care Would venture to assault my soul, or dare Near my retreat to hide one secret snare. But so divine, so noble a repast I'd seldom, and with moderation, taste: For highest cordials all their virtue lose, By a too frequent and too bold an use; And what would cheer the spirits in distress, Ruins our health when taken to excess. VI. HIS PEACEABLE LIFE I'd be concerned in no litigious jar; Beloved by all, not vainly popular. Whate'er assistance I had power to bring T' oblige my company, or to serve my king, Whene'er they called, I'd readily afford, My tongue, my pen, my counsel, or my sword. Lawsuits I'd shun, with as much studious care, As I would dens where hungry lions are; And rather put up injuries, than be A plague to him who'd be a plague to me. I value quiet at a price too great To give for my revenge so dear a rate: For what do we by all our bustle gain, But counterfeit delight for real pain? VII. HIS HAPPY DEATH If Heaven a date of many years would give, Thus I'd in pleasure, ease, and plenty live. And as I near approach[ed] the verge of life, Some kind relation (for I'd have no wife) Should take upon him all my worldly care While I did for a better state prepare. Then I'd not be with any trouble vexed, Nor have the evening of my days perplexed; But by a silent and a peaceful death, Without a sigh, resign my aged breath. And, when committed to the dust, I'd have Few tears, but friendly, dropped into my grave; Then would my exit so propitious be, All men would wish to live and die like me. DANIEL DEFOE FROM THE TRUE-BORN ENGLISHMAN The Romans first with Julius Caesar came, Including all the nations of that name, Gauls, Greeks, and Lombards, and, by computation, Auxiliaries or slaves of every nation. With Hengist, Saxons; Danes with Sueno came; In search of plunder, not in search of fame. Scots, Picts, and Irish from th' Hibernian shore, And conquering William brought the Normans o'er. All these their barbarous offspring left behind, The dregs of armies, they of all mankind; Blended with Britons, who before, were here. Of whom the Welsh ha' blessed the character. From this amphibious ill-born mob began That vain, ill-natured thing, an Englishman.