WORKS AND DAYS OF HESIOD.
23
Beware of those false women who aspire
To flaunt their charms in gaudy, gay attire.
Trust not their words, nor by their arts be ruled,
You will find, when it's too late, you're badly fooled.
Beget at least one son, and to his sway
Leave the old homestead, lest it pass away;
Yet for thy other children thou should'st spare
Out of thy goods an equitable share.
'Twere wrong to rear them in luxurious ease,
Then die and leave them in too tight a squeeze.
To end the chapter, should your chief desire
Be to get wealth, hope must your toils inspire.
Let Labor be your motto, day by-day;
All seeming obstacles yield to its sway.
