Vii. Things Dependent Or Not Dependent On Us Poem by Ellis Walker

Therefore be sure that thy aversion fall
Only on things which thou thy own may'st call,
But for the present all desires suspend,
For if to things not in thy pow'r they tend,
Folly and grief thou'lt find, but lose thy end.
And as for things, ev'n in thy pow'r, what fit,
It may be well presum'd, thou know'st not yet.
What's most to be esteem'd, what most admir'd,
What with most fervency and zeal desir'd.
Be wary then as cautious gen'rals are,
When they for entrance at some breach prepare,
Where ambuscade, or bursting mines they fear.
Do not engage so soon, 'till reason scour,
And first survey the object round about;
Think that dark snares thick in thy paths are laid,
Think that each step may on some danger tread,
Approach with prudent leisure, that with ease
You may withdraw your forces when you please.