Song. the Playthings of Life

All men are mere children, all women the same, Who, increasing in years get a different name; But still the pursuit of each great girl or boy, Is after some pretty fantastic new toy. Which, when first obtain'd, for a moment they prize, Yet the next they destroy, or neglect, or despise; While the world's one large nurs'ry of envy and strife, Where the bantlings contend for the playthings of life.

What more than mere toys, tho' of such high renown, Are the bishop's lawn sleeves or the judge's fur'd gown? What coronets, mitres, wigs, patches, or wands, What ribbands, or medals, caps, tassels, and bands? What all tinsel of state, jewels, garters and strings, Which kings can bestow, and which deck even kings? Yet these are the baubles that generate strife, Among children who pant for the playthings of life!

Hark! mortals, your passions for gew-gaws repress, To few be attach'd, nor to those to excess; For excess will to evil convey ev'ry good, Your joy turn to anguish, to poison your food: While the choice, made with prudence, by prudence confin'd, Rids the body feel bliss, without paining the mind; And thus wise to husband, and husband to wise, Prove the best and most permanent playthings of life.