A Dutch Proverb

Fire, Water, Woman, are Man's Ruin; Says wise Professor Vander Bruin. By Flames a House I hir'd was lost Last Year: and I must pay the Cost. This Spring the Rains o'erflow'd my Ground: And my best Flanders Mare was drown'd. A Slave I am to Clara's Eyes: The Gipsey knows her Pow'r, and flies. Fire, Water, Woman, are My Ruin: And great Thy Wisdom, Vander Bruin.