XII. The alderman safe housed, Tom moralized, "O! how life's blessings mortals can abuse! Heaven's bounties are forgotten or despised, 'Till miserably 'tis our lot to lose. I, like this toper, once could madly roam, XIII. "But would I now should comfort smile once more, For all the joys of dissipated strife, Leave home to go where Bacchanalians roar, Or gamblers rave, and then boast "This is life ?" Calamity has taught-too late grown wise, The home that I am exiled from to prize. XIV. "What constitutes home, then? A splendid roof, Where wealth abounds and liveried lackeys wait, Where gay profusion, want and care aloof Compels to skulk, and all is pomp and state? No, 'tis that hallowed although poor retreat, Where kindred hearts with generous transports meet. XV. There where kind wishes, hopes, and cares unite, Where happiness to one, is bliss to all; 'Tis there the images that yield delight, Are found with pleasures that can never pall; And joys that palaces can seldom match, Are known beneath the humble roof of thatch. XVI. "Home! had I earlier understood thy worth, XVII. Gain'd his apartment, Tom was nearly choak'd, And poured libations to great Deady's name, |