"Beatus ille procul!" from "negotiis,"[722]Saith Horace; the great little poet's wrong;

His other maxim, "Noscitur à sociis," [723]Is much more to the purpose of his song;

Though even that were sometimes too ferocious,

Unless good company be kept too long;

But, in his teeth, whate'er their state or station,

Thrice happy they who have an occupation!