1 Some Folks there are, (and many men suppose,
2 That I myself, may pass for one of those)
3 Who many likely Businesses intend,
4 Yet, bring but very few, unto an end.
5 Which folly to prevent, this Emblem, here,
6 Did in a lucky hour. perhaps, appear.
7 For, as to draw a Circle, with our hand,
8 We cause the brazen Compasses to stand
9 With one foot firmly fixed on the ground;
10 And move the other in a Constant-round;
11 Right so, when we shall purpose to proceed
12 In any just, and profitable deed,
13 We first, should by a constant-resolution.
14 Stand firm, to what we put execution;
15 And, then, with perseverance, labour out
16 Those workings, which we are employ'd about.
17 For, we with constant-liking, must elect
18 Those Businesses, we purpose to effect:
19 Or else, our time, our labour, and our cost,
20 Will, oft, be much in vain, or wholly lost.
21 With constant-labour, we must follow, too,
22 Those things, which we resolved are to do;
23 Or else, our hopes will never be effected,
24 How warily soe'er we have projected.
25 Long Journeys I abhor; yet, otherwhile
26 I mean a Furlong, and perform a Mile.
27 I greatly fear Long-labours to begin;
28 Yet, some I finish, when I'm entred in;
29 And, if in Labour, I more constant grow,
30 How I improve, hereafter, you shall know.