Advice to Youth #2

Learn to be wise, and practise how to thrive;

That would I have you do: and not to spend

Your coin on every bauble that you fancy,

Or every foolish brain that humours you.

I would not have you to invade each place,

Nor thrust yourself on all societies,

Till men's affections, or your own desert,

Should worthily invite you to your rank.

He that is so respectless on his courses,

Oft sells his reputation at  cheap market.

Nor would I, you should melt away yourself

In flashing bravery, lest, while you affect

To make a blaze of gentry to the world,

A little puff of scorn extinguish it;

And you be left like unsavoury snuff,

Whose property is only to offend.

I'd have you sober, and contain yourself,

Not that your sail be bigger than your boat;

But moderate your expenses now, at first,

As you may keep the same proportion still;

Nor stand so much on your gentility,

Which is an airy and mere borrow'd thing,

From dead men's dust and bones;
and none of yours,

Except you make, or hold it.