And famine humbled, may this verse be borne; And hear, ye hardiest sons that Albion breeds, 240 Long toss’d and famish’d on the wintry main; The war shook off, or hospitable shore Attain’d, with temperance bear the shock of joy; Nor crown with festive rites th’ auspicious day: Such feast might prove more fatal than the waves, 245 Than war, or famine. While the vital fire Burns feebly, heap not the green fuel on; But prudently foment the wandering spark With what the soonest feels its kindred touch: Be frugal ev’n of that: a little give 250 At first; that kindled, add a little more; Till, by deliberate nourishing, the flame Reviv’d, with all its wonted vigor glows. But tho’ the two (the full and the jejune) Extremes have each their vice; it much avails 255 Ever with gentle tide to ebb and flow From this to that: So nature learns to bear Whatever chance or headlong appetite May bring. Besides, a meagre day subdues The cruder clods by sloth or luxury 260 Collected; and unloads the wheels of life. Sometimes a coy aversion to the feast Comes on, while yet no blacker omen lours; Then is a time to shun the tempting board, Were it your natal or your nuptial day. 265 Perhaps a fast so seasonable starves The latent seeds of woe, which rooted once Might cost you labour. But the day return’d Of festal luxury, the wise indulge Most in the tender vegetable breed: 270 Then chiefly when the summer’s beams inflame The brazen heavens; or angry Syrius sheds A feverish taint thro’ the still gulph of air. The moist cool viands then, and flowing cup From the fresh dairy-virgin’s liberal hand, 275 Will save your head from harm, tho’ round the world The dreaded Causos[3] roll his wasteful fires. Pale humid Winter loves the generous board. The meal more copious, and a warmer fare; And longs, with old wood and old wine, to cheer 280 His quaking heart. The seasons which divide Th’ empires of heat and cold; by neither claim’d. Influenc’d by both; a middle regimen Impose. Thro’ autumn’s languishing domain Descending, nature by degrees invites 285 To glowing luxury. But from the depth Of winter, when th’ invigorated year Emerges; when Favonius flush’d with love, Toyful and young, in every breeze descends More warm and wanton on his kindling bride; 290 Then, shepherds, then begin to spare your flocks; And learn, with wise humanity, to check The lust of blood. Now pregnant earth commits A various offspring to th’ indulgent sky: Now bounteous nature feeds with lavish hand 295 The prone creation; yields what once suffic’d Their dainty sovereign, when the world was young;