University of Virginia Library

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LVIII. On a Combat between a Roman Capon, and a French Cock .

Spectators, make a Ring, that you may see
The fatal Battle which is like to be
Fought by two powr'ful Combatants: One's nam'd
Gallus, for Courage generally fam'd;
Yet not so valiant as he'ld have men think,
But has (what makes men Valiant) store of Chinck.

T'other is Capo call'd who doth supply
His want of Courage by his Policy:
By plotting and contriving he subsists,
And does with Brains what t'other would with Fists;
Works under-hand, and goes to undermine,
Both in their several wayes in Battle joyn.

Gallus doth strut, and clap his wings and crow,
While Capo laughs at that vain noise and show;
What the great Quarrel is, must not be known,
But is reserv'd till one be overthrown:
Both make great preparations for a Fight,
And he that Conquers, all believe has Right.

Capo has been well cram'd, and liv'd in State,
And was become a mighty Potentate;
Two Keys to open and to shut he bears,
And on his head a Triple Crown he wears;
And had a mind to Rule the World, as though
All men were govern'd by meer pomp and show.

Gallus repines at this; Must I (sayes he)
Wear but one Crown, while he droops under three?

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His Keys may make a noise, and keep a stir
'Mong easie souls, but he has ne'r a Spur:
I'le spoil his Pageantry, and make him know,
That since he cannot Fight, he shall not Crow.

But now Germanus comes to interpose,
Thinking the Quarrel would prove dangerous;
And while those two do to Contention fall,
Their strife might prove the ruine of them all;
Both being so powerful, 'tis hardly known
Which side may prove most safe for him to own.

Mean time the Mahumetan Cook stands by,
With sharpned Cymiter, and watchful eye;
Let them fight on (sayes he) so both will be,
By their intestine VVar a feast for me:
This is my time to feed and thrive, when they
Contend so fiercely which shall be my prey.

This makes good Gelly, t'other's tender meat;
VVhen both drop in one dish, who would not eat?
Their Quarrel is for Humour and Opinion,
But my design is Riches and Dominion;
VVhile both to be Victorious do aspire,
I use their sparks to set the world on fire.

The CONCLUSION.

When Peace and Plenty make men proud, and they
Aspire to Rule, whose part is to Obey:
VVhen each man has a Heresie of's own,
And most pretend Religion, but use none:
VVhen Laws are boldly broke, and Love that binds
Men more then Laws, is fled from peoples minds:

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Then must destruction on that Nation come,
And Mahumet gives Laws to Christendome.