WHEN God at first made Man,       Having a glass of blessings standing by— Let us (said He) pour on him all we can; Let the world's riches, which dispersed lie,       Contract into a span.

      So strength first made a way, Then beauty flow'd, then wisdom, honour, pleasure: When almost all was out, God made a stay, Perceiving that, alone of all His treasure,       Rest in the bottom lay.

      For if I should (said He) Bestow this jewel also on My creature, He would adore My gifts instead of Me, And rest in Nature, not the God of Nature:       So both should losers be.

      Yet let him keep the rest, But keep them with repining restlessness; Let him be rich and weary, that at least, If goodness lead him not, yet weariness       May toss him to My breast.