Classic Poem

" One thing is not fit for all;
What he does, let each take care:
Where he stays, let each beware:
He that stands, expect to fall. "
Gaethe .

The Quarrelsome Man.

Silent through the street I fare
Where resides my fair-haired she;
Others to this street repair;
Through the gloom I seem to see
Some one pause and enter there.
Doth it straightway stir my gall
That she others holds in thrall?
Be it so! but be it known,
Each should love but one alone,
" One thing is not fit for all. "

The Obliging Man.

With her pitchers to the well
Comes the maid I strive to gain;
Whish! with efforts forcible
Round the wheel she winds the chain;
Who my bliss — who help — can tell?
Yea! I tugged with vigour rare
Till the wheel was past repair;
Though no more it round will run,
Well have we our labour done:
" What he does let each take care! "

The Prudent Man.

" Twelve o'clock! " the watchmen cry;
From my mouth the glass I take;
Shall I rashly homewards hie
At the hour when ghosts awake,
When patrols each wand'rer spy?
Shall I — for a pastime — bear
All the taunts my wife can spare?
Then the neighbours! tattlers! Nay,
In the " Eagle " here I'll stay;
" Where he stays let each beware. "

The Reeling Man.

Strangest things at times appear:
Yesterday 'twas summer's heat,
Now, what slippery ice is here!
Lest the pavement prove my seat,
Every step I take in fear.
See! how reel the houses all,
Whensoe'er I touch the wall!
Care, at times like these, should guide;
He that walks, should fear to slide,
" He that stands, expect to fall! "