1.
The greybeard, old Wisdom, may boast of his treasures,
Give me with gay Folly to live!
I grant him his calm-blooded, time-settled pleasures,
But Folly has raptures to give.
2.
My bottle is a holy pool,
That heals the wounds o' care an' dool,
And pleasure is a wanton trout -
An ye drink it, ye'll find him out.
3.
In politics if thou would'st mix,
And mean thy fortunes be;
Bear this in mind: Be deaf and blind,
Let great folks hear and see.

The greybeard, old Wisdom, may boast of his treasures,
Give me with gay Folly to live!
I grant him his calm-blooded, time-settled pleasures,
But Folly has raptures to give.

My bottle is a holy pool,
That heals the wounds of care and sorrow,
And pleasure is a wanton trout -
If you drink it, you will find him out.

In politics if you would mix,
And mean your fortunes be;
Bear this in mind: Be deaf and blind,
Let great folks hear and see.