 | The Workes of Benjamin Jonson |  |
193
The mind of the Frontispice to a Booke.
From Death, and darke oblivion, ne're the same,The Mistresse of Mans life, grave Historie
Razing the World to good and evill fame
Doth vindicate it to eternitie.
Wise Providence would so; that nor the good
Might be defrauded, nor the great secur'd,
But both might know their wayes were understood,
When Vice alike in time with vertue dur'd
Which makes that (lighted by the beamie hand
Of Truth that searcheth the most Springs
And guided by experience, whose straite wand
Doth meet, whose lyne doth sound the depth of things:)
Shee chearfully supporteth what she reares,
Assisted by no strengths, but are her owne,
Some note of which each varied Pillar beares,
By which as proper titles, she is knowne
Times witnesse, herald of Antiquitie,
The light of Truth, and life of Memorie.
| The Workes of Benjamin Jonson | |