Comparing the Head to a Barrel of Wine

1

The head is like a barrel, which will break
If th’liquor be too strong; but if’t be2 weak,
It3 will the riper grow by lying long,
For4 kept from vent, the spirits grow more strong.
So wit, which Nature tuns up in the brain,5                     5
Never leaves working, if it close remain.6
’Twill7 through discretion8 burst and run about,
Unless a pen and ink do tap it out.
But if the wit be small, then let it lie,
For9 broached too soon, the spirits quickly die.              10

  1. Comparing the Head to a Barrel of Wine] Nature’s Cellar. 1664; Nature’s Cellar. 1668. The title of 1664 and 1668 exists as a marginal note in Cavendish’s 1653 text.
  2. th’liquor be too strong; but if’t be] Liquors be too strong; but if they’re 1653
  3. It] They 1653
  4. For] Close 1653
  5. tuns up in the brain,] in a Braine tuns up, 1653
  6. remain.] be shut: 1653
  7. ’Twill] Will 1653
  8. discretion] Discretions 1653
  9. For] If 1653