As a wise child excells the scept'red fool,
Who of conceit and selfishness is full -
As a good name exceeds the best perfume,
And richest Balms, that from the
Indies
come -

As Prudence and Discretion, wealth surpass,
As strength and courage are outdone by grace,
As a good man is of more worth by far
Than riches : (tho' nought can with God compare!)

So much the wise and pious maid, possess'd
Of a bare competence, is more caress'd
Than the dull Ideot, born to an estate,
And lineally-descended from the Great.

A virtuous, cheerful, and obliging wife
Is better far, than all the pomp of life,
Better than houses, tenements and lands,
Than pearls and precious stones, and golden sands.

She is a ship with costly wares well-stow'd,
A pearl, with virtues infinite endow'd,
A gem, beyond all value and compare:
Happy the man, who has her to his share!

She is a pillar, with rich gildings grac'd,
And on a pedestal of silver plac'd,
She is a turret of defence, to save
A weak and sickly husband from the grave,
She is a gorgeous crown, a glorious prize,
And ev'ry grace, in her, concent'red lies!