Poem by Matthew Prior

A Dutch Proverb

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. 

1. An Ode - Presented to the King, on His Majesty's Arrival in Holland, after the Queen's Death
2. A Lover's Anger
3. A Song (In vain you tell your parting lover)
4. On My Birthday, July 21
5. If Wine and Music Have the Power

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