6
16.
Without compunction, dread, or fright,
They swear for me that wrong is right;
While I, in turn, to them, as might
Be well expected.
Stand bound to swear that black is white,
As I’m directed.
17.
’Tis said, and I believe it too,
That oaths are awful if untrue;
But, mighty Jove! what can we do,
In these sad times?
Sins of the very blackest hue
Are common crimes.
18.
Besides, I’m told, by those who know it,
When we to cheat are driven to it,
The cause that drives us on to do it
Should bear the blame;
Nature and common sense allow it,
In Justiee’ name.
19.
At all times for a weighty purse
A boundless love be sure to nurse;
For honour never mind a curse,
Adopt a rule,
To pay no more than law can forec,
Be ’t fair or foul.
20.
Pick all ye can from simple snools;
Keep mind, tbat all the golden rules
Poor silly pedants teach in schools
Are unavailing,
Or only acted on by fools,
Not men of dealing.
21.
The course with tradesmen to pursue,
When their accounts they hand to you,
Condemn their jobs, seem furious too
At their amounts,
Till large per centages ye screw
From their accounts.
