Gedeon Ráday

There is an ancient saying—Idleness </br> Is the world's curse: and I have heard a story </br> Out of old time, instructive. King Matthew once, half-tipsy, put three fellows— </br> Three idle fellows—in a house to fatten; </br> And fate, or forethought, set the house on fire. </br> "Ah! see, the house is burning!" cried the first; </br> "If the King want us," said the second knave, </br> "Why he will send and save us." </br> In a rage, "Your tongue is very glib," exclaimed the third; </br> And the house went on burning, and they perish'd. O there are many idle dogs like these—</br> Many who open wide their lazy mouths, </br> And think that roasted ortolans will enter.