Want

Want is a bitter and a hateful good, Because its virtues are not understood: Yet many things, impossible to thought, Have been by need to full perfection brought. The daring of the soul proceeds from thence, Sharpness of wit, and active diligence. Prudence at once and fortitude it gives: And, if in patience taken, mends our lives: For ev'n that indigence that brings me low, Makes me my self, and him above, to know, A good which none would challenge, few would chuse, A fair possession, which mankind refuse. If we from wealth to poverty descend, Want gives to know the flatt'rer from the friend.