To Cyriack Skinner

    Of British Themis with no mean applause

    Pronounced and in his volumes taught our laws

    Which others at their bar so often wrench¹；

    To-day deep thoughts resolve with me to drench²

    In mirth that after no repenting³ draws；

    Let Euclid rest and Archimedes pause

    And what the Swede intends and what the French.

    To measure life learn thou betimes and know

    Toward solid good what leads the nearest way；

    For other things mild Heaven a time ordains⁴

    And disapproves⁵ that care though wise in show

    That with superfluous⁶ burden loads the day

    And when God sends a cheerful hour refrains.