Wouldst thou to some steadfast seat, <br />Out of Fortune's power retreat? <br />Wouldst thou, when fierce Eurus blows, <br />Calmly rest in safe repose? <br />Wouldst thou see the foaming main, <br />Tossing rave, but rave in vain? <br />Shun the mountain's airy brow, <br />Shun the sea-sapp'd sand below; <br />Soon th' aspiring fabric falls, <br />When loud Auster shakes her walls, <br />Soon the treach'rous sands retreat, <br />From beneath the cumbrous weight. <br />Fix not where the tempting height <br />Mingles danger with delight; <br />Safe upon the rocky ground, <br />Firm and low thy mansion found; <br />There, 'mid tempest's loudest roars, <br />Dashing waves and shatter'd shores, <br />Thou shalt sit and smile to see <br />All the world afraid but thee, <br />Lead a long and peaceful age, <br />And deride the utmost rage.<br /><br />Samuel Johnson<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/from-boethius-de-consolatione-philosophiae-book-ii-metre-4/
