Classic Poem

To hope is good, but with such wild applause
Each promise Fabius thou dost entertain;
As if decreed thee by fates certain Laws,
Or in possession now it did remain.

Wisdom is arm'd 'gainst all that can succeed,
Time's changes and his stratagems: for such
His nature is, that when his wings we need,
He will come creeping on his halting Crutch.

Do not, if wise, then to thy self assure
The future, nor on present goods rely,
Or think there's any time from time secure:
For then when patience sees her Harvest nigh,

That mocking Tryant in an instant rears
A wall between the sickle and the ears.