Poems consisting of Epistles and Epigrams, Satyrs, Epitaphs and Elogies, Songs and Sonnets With variety of other drolling Verses upon several Subjects. Composed by no body must know whom, and are to be had every body knows where, and for somebody knows what [by John Eliot] |
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The first Coppie. |
 | Poems consisting of Epistles and Epigrams, Satyrs, Epitaphs and Elogies, Songs and Sonnets |  |
The first Coppie.
Verses dedicated by way of New-years gift to the Earl of Portland, at that time Lord Treasurer, by the favour of him that presented them they were said to be begot and brought forth, whilst He and the Author drunk a pinte of Wine; to try the truth his Lordship commanded the Author to send another Coppy upon as short warning: they were by his Lordship equally liked, and happily commended; but in the Authors opinion there is much difference.
May it please your Lordship,
A diamond right and rich if breath'd upon,Doth cleere it self so doth no other stone;
It hath a secret unseen unfelt fire,
No sooner clouded, but those clouds expire;
By which the Lapidary Sir descries,
The hidden wealth and worth that in it lies:
Far honoured Lord be smooth fac'd flattery hence,
Such is your now known vertues excellence;
Like a rich diamond, by your own power alone,
The breath of venom'd tongues i'th ayr is thrown:
Foule mouth'd detraction you have now struck dumb,
Envie is silent for the time to come:
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How much in these your honours I have share;
Your now approved goodness to my glory,
Confirme what I foretold of your Worths story,
You have most honoured Lord, to my great fame,
Gain'd me from all good men a Prophets name;
And though my modest joyes were long since born
Yet they but learn'd to speak this very morn,
And with the croud that to your Altar brings,
Iewells or plate for this dayes offerings,
I humbly pray they may without offence,
Supply the place of Mirrh and frankinsence:
Upon the Altar of your favour throw,
Those Zealous wishes which from my heart flow
As the sun this morn set forth,
And increases in his growth;
As it by degrees doth mount,
In our lengthening dayes account:
Certain minutes every hower,
And each day augments his power;
Even so I humbly heaven desire,
Your spring honours may aspire;
Untill they overlook the tops,
Of all your wishes and your hopes:
When thus the height of bliss is won,
Then let them like Joshua's Sun,
Not for howers but for ever,
Stick and thence retire never;
And may no age an Ecclips see,
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Thus he humbly prayes that stands,
With patience waiting your commands.
| Poems consisting of Epistles and Epigrams, Satyrs, Epitaphs and Elogies, Songs and Sonnets | |