Classic Poem

Thou'st heard those old proverbs, ne'er lean on; rush,
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush,
'Tis the money paid down that decides who's the winner,
Who waits upon fortune's ne'er sure of a dinner:

Out of sight out of mind, delaying breeds danger,
He ought to be cozen'd who trusts to a stranger;
Heaven take my friend, and the old one my brother,
Promising's one thing, performing another.

II.

Much may fall out 'twixt the cup and the lip,
The builder's receipt's the best sail in the ship,
'Tis a good thing to lend, but a better to borrow,
Pay me to-day, and I'll trust you to-morrow.

Brag is a good dog, but hold-fast a better,
You may guess at a word when you know the first letter,
There's not the most fire where you see the most smother,
Promising's one thing, performing another.