Xli. Our Life To Be Govern'D By Certain Rules Poem by Ellis Walker

Among your friends with whom you may be free
If vain, or frivolous their converse be,
Or seem to favour of indecency,
Alter the subject; sure you may invent
Some profitable, pleasing argument,
Which, like a gentle tide, with easy force
May stop the current of the first discourse;
But among strangers learn to hold your tongue,
Your good intentions may be constu'd wrong,
You may be term'd impertinent or rude,
Wise out of season, and be said to intrude.