University of Virginia Library

Search this document 
The Year of Wonders

Being a literal and poetical translation of an old Latin prophecy, found near Merlin's cave, By S---n D---k [i.e. Stephen Duck]

expand section

With C--- W--- plays fast and loose,
By Fits their Country, or the Court espouse;
Both whilom for Prerogative how keen!
Now chang'd, for Privilege are Champions seen!
As Hopes of dear Preferment ebb or flow,
They're calm, they storm, their Fever's high or low.
Whence can this Whim Unsteadiness proceed?
Honour unchangeable by Heav'n decreed,
Is still the same, howe'er Affairs of State
May shift, or this or that way fluctuate.