A Dutch Proverb

By Matthew Prior

Fire, Water, Woman, are Man's Ruin;

Says wise Professor Vander Bruin.

By Flames a House I hir'd was lost

Last Year: and I must pay the Cost.

This Spring the Rains o'erflow'd my Ground:

And my best Flanders Mare was drown'd.

A Slave I am to Clara's Eyes:

The Gipsey knows her Pow'r, and flies.

Fire, Water, Woman, are My Ruin:

And great Thy Wisdom, Vander Bruin.