'Twas always held, and ever will, br By sage mankind, discreeter br To anticipate a lesser ill br Than undergo a greater. br br When mortals dread disease, pain, br And languishing conditions, br Who don't the lesser ills sustain br Of physic-and physicians? br br Rather than lose his whole estate, br He that but little wise is, br Full gladly pays four parts in eight, br To taxes and excises. br br Our merchants Spain has near undone, br For lost ships not requiting; br This bears our noble King to shun br The loss of blood-in fighting! br br With numerous ills, in single life, br The bachelor's attended; br Such to avoid, he takes a wife- br And much the case is mended! br br Poor Gratia, in her twentieth year, br Foreseeing future woe, br Chose to attend a monkey here, br Before an ape below.