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163

iii. ON THE DEATH OF GODEFRID VANDER HAGEN.

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[Prefixed to G. Vander Hagen, “MISCELLANEA POEMATA.” Middelburgi, 1619, 4to.]

Scarce I four Lusters had enjoyed Breath,
When my Lifes Threid was cut by cruel Death;
Few were my Yeares, so were my Sorrowes all,
Long Dayes haue Drammes of sweet, but Pounds of Gall;
And yet the fruites which my faire Spring did giue,
Proue some may longer breath, not longer liue.
That craggie Path which doth to Vertue lead,
With steps of Honor I did stronglie tread;
I made sweet Layes, and into Notes diuyne
Out-sung Apollo and the Muses nyne.
Forths sweetest Swannets did extolle my Verse,
Forths sweetest Swannets now weepe o're my Hearse,
For which I pardone Fates my date of Yeares;
Kings may haue vaster Tombes, not dearer Teares.
W. Drvmmond.