Lvii. We Must Not Affect To Be More Than What We Are Poem by Ellis Walker

As we speak sense, and cannot but be right,
When we affirm 'tis either day or night,
But rave, and talk rank nonsense, when we say,
At the same instant, 'tis both night and day;
So 'tis a contradiction at a feast,
To take the largest share, to cut the best,
And be a fair and sociable guest.
You may, 'tis true, your appetite appease,
But not your company, nor treater please,
Wherefore of this absurdity beware,
And take a modest and an equal share,
Nor think each sav'ry bit, that's there your due,
Nor let your entertainer blush for you.
You may as well say 'tis both day, and night,
As strive, at once, to indulge your appetite,
And please the rest, and him that doth invite.