A SAGE , much skill'd in classic lore,
And eager still t' increase his store,
Did punctual come each day to dinner,
But never left his study sooner.
One day, so says my little tale,
His wife, surpriz'd to find him fail
In coming at the hour precise,
Went to his study with surprize;
And said, with archness in her look,
'I wish, my dear, I were a book.'
'Why so?' her learn'd spouse reply'd;
'Because you'd still be by my side.'
'If you an Almanack could be
'I'd wish you then a book,' said he;
'Pray why an Almanack, my dear?'
'I'd have a new one every year.'