Classic Poem

Though Fire by warmth cheers life, great heat brings death;
though good Aire life detaines; bad , life defines;
Though Water stayes our thirst , it stops out breath ,
though fruitfull Earth doth feede; the barren , pines.

Too-much o'erfils; too-little , feebles life
Wealth wants not Cares , & Want , wants all but Cares:
Solenesse , brings sadnesse; Company but strife:
and sodaine Ioyes doe kill , as well as feeres .

Meane wirth , is rationall; extreame , is mad;
no good so good, but here it's mixt with ill:
Nay, too much goodnesse is exceeding bad:
yea, bad, if blinde it be, is true Good-will ,
And, saue the High'st , for highest gaine is losse ,
Then, life's but death where al things are so crosse.