1 192
2 XX.
3 Clean linen as a comfort we esteem,
4 And frequent changes of our underdress ;
5 These as essential to our health, I deem,
6 And therefore urge them on you with some stress
7 ’Tis of importance, trifling though it seem,
8 What I would now upon your minds impress —
9 Forget not that whene’er you are attiring,
10 Not to put on cold garments, while perspiring.
11 XXI.
12 Do not neglect the sea, nor flowing river,
13 But, in due season, go to beach or brink ;
14 Yet, do not stand undressed, to shake and shiver,
15 Nor from the healthy plunge affrighted shrink ;
16 Lave well your limbs, e’en though muscles quiver,
17 And learn to swim, nor be afraid to sink ;
18 Swimming invigorates all the limbs and breast,
19 Makes the day cheerful, and at night brings rest.
20 XXII.
21 But, above all, let Diet have your care,
22 For, therein healthy action most depends ;
23 Of after-efforts you may well despair
24 For past imprudences to make amends :
25 To this point, therefore, I again repair,
26 As frequent repetition sometimes tends
27 To impress a truth more strongly on the mind,
28 And its observance to our practice bind.
29 XXIII.
30 A few words more, and then, I shall have done —
31 Let man consider well our nature’s laws ;
32 In every mortal underneath the sun,
33 Effects are consequent upon some cause ;
34 Body and mind united are in one,
35 And each affects the other ; therefore, pause
36 Before intemperance blasts the body’s health
37 And robs the mind of intellectual wealth.