Friendly Advice to EXTRAVAGANTS  
Showing the Vanity of those,  
Who to themselves are cruel foes,  
By their delays for to prepare,  
grim Death he will not long forbear  
But unawares will give the blow,  
They'll mourn when they do find it so  
Tune of, The rich Merchant man.  

Hodie. Mihi.  
Cras. Tibi:  
Prepared. Bee  
To. Follow. me.   

O What a sinful Age  
is this that we live in,  
When men delight in extremes,  
and take a pride in sin.   

Time's winged says one and flies:  
therefore let us be merry,  
Perhaps this may be our last day,  
then let us drink our Sherry.   

It is a motion strange  
to call for men to drink,  
But do not say let us go pray,  
for 'tis high time I think.   

Instead of good advice  
they should give one another,  
They give advice that in a trice  
they may all virtue smother.   

Wicked devices now  
seem to be so common,  
There's few that do the same eschew,  
it is forsaken by no man,   

Oh pity it is then  
that sin should be the fashion,  
Be sure they do bring shame unto  
this poor distressed Nation.   
 
 

Who by their wickedness  
promote the Devil's cause,  
They urge our God to send his Rod,  
by breaking of his Laws.   

While yet we leisure have  
and time for to repent,  
Make no delay for fear you may  
into the Grave be sent.   

Before you are prepared  
and fitted for to die,  
Oh then make haste and no time waste  
repent immediately.   

It can do you no harm  
for to repent in time,  
Many I say are snaccht away,  
and die just in their prime.   

We have no lease of life,  
no more than those who died,  
And met with death who stopped their breath  
and would not be denied.   

When death doth us assail  
we cannot him oppose,  
Certain it is we must not miss  
the Hour, yet no man knows.   

It will be very sad  
for those who die in sin,  
Oh then take care for death prepare,  
and think how slack you've been.   

We shall not always find  
God will with sinners hear,  
Then while you may make no delay  
but for your death prepare.   

Think not that when you please  
you shall have time to do it,  
If you prolong time, you do wrong  
yourselves; then now fall to it.   

And say not with the wretch  
let's drink, laugh, and be merry,  
Time will not stay but flies away,  
then do not mind your Sherry.   

But that which will do good  
to your immortal souls,  
Mind that alone, and every one  
leave quaffing of your Bowls.   

That drink which now in waste  
you down your throats do throw,  
Where drink is scant the same you'll want  
& crave for aught I know.    

Printed for F. Cole, T. Vere, J. Wright. J. Carlk. W. Thackery. & T. Passenger.