XXXIX.
Frame to yourself some forms, some rules whereby
To guide your life, on which to keep your eye,
Which whether to yourself you live recluse,
Or which in conversation you may use;
For there are dangers, which the wise would fly
Both in retirement and society.
For neither can a ship with safety ride
Within her port, if not with cables ty'd;
Nor can she be secure, when under sail,
Though in fair weather with a prosp'rous gale,
Unless known rules, by long experience try'd,
Her well-spread canvas, and her rudder guide.
Nor only in the main do tempests roar,
They strike the flats, and riot on the shore;
And skilful sailors with just reason doubt
Danger within, as well as those without.
To guide your life, on which to keep your eye,
Which whether to yourself you live recluse,
Or which in conversation you may use;
For there are dangers, which the wise would fly
Both in retirement and society.
For neither can a ship with safety ride
Within her port, if not with cables ty'd;
Nor can she be secure, when under sail,
Though in fair weather with a prosp'rous gale,
Unless known rules, by long experience try'd,
Her well-spread canvas, and her rudder guide.
Nor only in the main do tempests roar,
They strike the flats, and riot on the shore;
And skilful sailors with just reason doubt
Danger within, as well as those without.
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