Classic Poem

Experience now doth show what God us taught before,
Desired pomp is vain and seldom doth it last;
Who climbs to reign with kings may rue his fate full sore;
Alas, the woeful end that comes with care full fast!
Reject him doth renown; his pomp full low is cast;
Deceived is the bird by sweetness of the call;
Expel that pleasant taste wherein is bitter gall.

Such as with oaten cakes in poor estate abides,
Of care have they no cure; the crab with mirth they roast.
More ease feel they than those that from their height down slides;
Excess doth breed their woe, they sail in Scylla's coast,
Remaining in the storms till ship and all be lost.
Serve God, therefore, thou poor, for lo! thou lives in rest;
Eschew the golden hall, thy thatched house is besT.