The Conclusion

NOW Reader, I have told my Dream to thee;

See if thou can’st interpret it to me,

Or to thyself, or Neighbor; but take heed

Of mis-interpreting; for that, instead

Of doing good, will but thyself abuse:

By mis-interpreting, evil ensues.

Take heed also, that thou be not extreme,

In playing with the out-side of my Dream:

Nor let my figure or similitude

Put thee into a laughter or a feud;

Leave this for Boys and Fools; but as for thee,

Do thou the substance of my matter see.

Put by the Curtains, look within my Vail;

Turn up my Metaphors, and do not fail

There, if thou seekest them, such things to find

As will be helpful to an honest mind.

What of my dross thou findest there, be bold

To throw away, but yet preserve the Gold;

What if my Gold be wrapped up in Ore?

None throws away the Apple for the Core.

But if thou shalt cast away all as vain,

I know not but ’twill make me Dream again.