Fugitive Poetry. 1600–1878/Reserve

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Reserve.
(From the French.)

Something should remain unseen,
 All the will should not appear;
For light thoughts will intervene,
 And light words to danger veer.

Sometimes on the verge of speech,
 Better not be over-bold,
But little pausing caution teach,
 What to say and what withhold.

Idle talk is ever free,
 And with riches soon runs o'er;
Reason should the treasurer be,
 And still something keep in store.

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