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The PEEK of Tenariff.
1660
To my dear Br. Mr. W. Shipman, Merchant.
Talk not of Mount Parnassus! since I write
Of such a subject as transcends its height.
Where th' Muses cannot mount; their winged Steed
(Tho Fame and Lightning cannot reach his speed)
Must flagge below, when he would try this Cliff,
And soar up to the Pyke of Thenariff.
Some Hills are perruk'd o're with Trees and Snows,
Others wear wreaths of Clouds about their brows;
But thou, imperial Mount, art more renown'd;
Since thou art only with the Heavens crown'd.
Olympus and the hills of Arrarat,
Compar'd to thee, seem as a lowly Flat.
Pelion and Ossa (though they proudly bear
Their heads) poor Dwarfs, yet but as Footstools are.
Other great Mountains (though not half so high)
Weary the Foot, whilst thou dost tire the Eye:
Thou art Sol's Fornace, where he lights his Torch
When he first peeps from out the Eastern porch.
Had those old Gyants known thee when th' assail'd
The Gods, their Palace they had eas'ly scal'd,
Had Nimrod ever of thy tallness known,
His Babel never had been thought upon.
Had Noah of this Mountain e're heard tell,
The Ark had useless been, and he as well.
Of such a subject as transcends its height.
Where th' Muses cannot mount; their winged Steed
(Tho Fame and Lightning cannot reach his speed)
Must flagge below, when he would try this Cliff,
And soar up to the Pyke of Thenariff.
Some Hills are perruk'd o're with Trees and Snows,
Others wear wreaths of Clouds about their brows;
But thou, imperial Mount, art more renown'd;
Since thou art only with the Heavens crown'd.
Olympus and the hills of Arrarat,
Compar'd to thee, seem as a lowly Flat.
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Their heads) poor Dwarfs, yet but as Footstools are.
Other great Mountains (though not half so high)
Weary the Foot, whilst thou dost tire the Eye:
Thou art Sol's Fornace, where he lights his Torch
When he first peeps from out the Eastern porch.
Had those old Gyants known thee when th' assail'd
The Gods, their Palace they had eas'ly scal'd,
Had Nimrod ever of thy tallness known,
His Babel never had been thought upon.
Had Noah of this Mountain e're heard tell,
The Ark had useless been, and he as well.
Was now my Muse as quick of foot as you,
(Who here climb'd high as ever Eagle flew)
She then would trace your steps; and in the Story,
Prove that high Peek some leagues below your glory.
Hannibal's march o're th' Alps needs no such stir;
Since it was feazible with Vinegar.
Sack here was requisite; which Poets sing
Can mount one higher, than an Eagles Wing;
Astolfo's Horse (which Ariosto quotes)
Was fed with Grapes (no doubt) instead of Oats,
That gave him Wings! my Pegasus might dare
To mount as high with the same Provender.
And since such store does from your Islands come;
If you would see him soar, pray send him some.
(Who here climb'd high as ever Eagle flew)
She then would trace your steps; and in the Story,
Prove that high Peek some leagues below your glory.
Hannibal's march o're th' Alps needs no such stir;
Since it was feazible with Vinegar.
Sack here was requisite; which Poets sing
Can mount one higher, than an Eagles Wing;
Astolfo's Horse (which Ariosto quotes)
Was fed with Grapes (no doubt) instead of Oats,
That gave him Wings! my Pegasus might dare
To mount as high with the same Provender.
And since such store does from your Islands come;
If you would see him soar, pray send him some.
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