The World’s Wit and Humor: An Encyclopedia in 15 Volumes. 1906.
François Villon (14311463?)Ballad of Proverbs
G
Pitchers till split to wells are ta’en;
Iron is heated till ’tis red,
And hammered till it bursts in twain;
Man’s worth, just how the child we train;
Who travel far will disappear;
Ill bred will ill through life remain;
We call out Christmas till ’tis here.
Who leans on others, hopes in vain;
Waste leads to want is truly said;
One bird in hand beats chance of twain;
God’s love doth love of Church sustain;
Much giving is to borrowing near;
The wind shifts till it brings the rain;
We call out Christmas till ’tis here.
Songs run till all the tune retain;
Fruit kept too long does mold o’erspread;
Towns long besieged the foes will gain;
Who wait too long no luck obtain;
With overhaste you get not near;
By clutching long you overstrain;
We call out Christmas till ’tis here.
Men voyage till they homeward steer;
Those cheated long from rogues refrain;
We call out Christmas till ’tis here.