May 9
Companions of the Way (Evening)Blessed is the rich that is found without blemish, and hath not gone after gold.
NEVER exceed thy income. Youth may make Even with the yeare; but Age, if it will hit, Shoots a bow short, and lessens still his stake, As the day lessens, and his life with it.
Thy children, kindred, friends upon thee call;
Before thy journey fairly part with all.
Yet in thy thriving still misdoubt some evil;
Lest gaining gain on thee, and make thee dimme
To all things els. Wealth is the conjurer's devil;
Whom when he thinks he hath, the devil hath him.
Gold thou mayest safely touch; but if it stick
Unto thy hands, it woundeth to the quick.
What skills it, if a bag of stones or gold
About thy neck do drown thee? Raise thy head;
Take starres for money: starres not to be told
By any art, yet to be purchased.
GEORGE
HERBERT