View all, and mark the end Of every proud extreme, Where flattery turns a friend, And counterfeits esteem; Where worth is aped in show, That doth her name purloin, Like toys of golden glow Oft sold for copper coin. Ambition's haughty nod With fancies may deceive, Nay, tell thee thou'rt a god, And wilt thou such believe? Go, bid the seas be dry; Go, hold earth like a ball, Or throw her fancies by, For God can do it all. Dost thou possess the dower Of laws to spare or kill? Call it not heavenly power When but a tyrant's will, Think what thy God would do, And know thyself a fool, Nor, tyrant-like, pursue Where He alone can rule. Dost think, when wealth is won, Thy heart has its desire? Hold ice up to the sun, And wax before the fire; Nor triumph o'er the reign Which they so soon resign: Of this world weigh the gain, Insurance safe is thine. Dost think life's peace secure In houses and in land? Go, read the fairy lure, And twist a cord in sand; Lodge stones upon the sky, Hold water in a sieve, Nor give such tales the lie, And still thine own believe. Whoso with riches deals, And thinks peace bought and sold, Will find them slipping eels, That slide the firmest hold: Though sweet as sleep with health Thy lulling luck may be, Pride may o'erstride thy wealth, And check prosperity. Dost think that beauty's power Life sweetest pleasure gives? Go, pluck the summer flower, And see how long it lives: Behold, the rays glide on Along the summer plain Ere thou canst say they're gone: Know such is beauty's reign. Look on the brightest eye, Nor teach it to be proud; View next the clearest sky, And thou shalt find a cloud; Nor call each face ye meet An angel's, 'cause it's fair, But look beneath your feet, And think of what ye are. Who thinks that love doth live In beauty's tempting show, Shall find his hopes ungive, And melt in reason's thaw. Who thinks that pleasure lies In every fairy bower, Shall oft, to his surprise, Find poison in the flower. Dost lawless pleasures grasp? Judge not they'll bring thee joy: Their flowers but hide the asp, Whose poison will destroy. Who trusts a harlot's smile, And by her wiles is led, Plays, with a sword the while Hung dropping o'er his head. Dost doubt my warning song? Then doubt the sun gives light, Doubt truth to teach thee wrong, Think wrong alone is right; And live as lives the knave, Intrigue's deceiving guest; Be tyrant, or be slave, As suits thy ends the best. Or pause amid thy toils For visions won and lost, And count the fancied spoils, If e'er they quit the cost: And if they still possess Thy mind, as worthy things, Pick straws with Bedlam Bess, And call them diamond rings.