The works of Sr William Davenant ... Consisting of Those which were formerly Printed, and Those which he design'd for the Press: Now published Out of the Authors Originall Copies |
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To the Earl of Portland, Lord Treasurer; on the Marriage of his Son.
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 | The works of Sr William Davenant |  |
To the Earl of Portland, Lord Treasurer; on the Marriage of his Son.
My Lord, this night is yours! each wandring StarThat was unbusi'd, and irregular;
Most gravely now, his bright Companion leads,
To fix o're your glad roofe, their shining Heads;
And it is said, th' exemplar King's your guest;
And that the rich Ey'd Darling of his Breast,
(To ripen all our joys) will there become
The Musick, Odor, Light of ev'ry Roome!
A mixture of two Noble bloods, in all
Faith, and domestick nature, union call,
No travail'd Eyes have seen, with humbler state
Of love perform'd, where Princes celebrate,
This when I heard; I know not what bold Starre
My Spirits urg'd, but it was easier farre
The torn, the injur'd Panther, to restraine
In's hot pursuit, or stroke him coole againe;
To tell the cause, why Winds do disagree,
Divide them when in stormes they mingled be;
Strait fix them single, where they breath'd before;
Or fanne them with a plume, from Sea to Shore;
Than bind my raging Temples, or resist
The pow'r that swell'd me, as Apollo's Priest.
Therefore my Robe, that on his Altar lay,
My Virge, my Wreath, I took; and thus did pray:
That you (my Lord) with lasting memory,
And strength of fervent youth, may live to see,
Your name in this blest nuptial store the Earth,
With such a masculine, and knowing birth;
As shall at factious Councels moderate,
And force injurious Armies to their fate.
Let time be fetter'd, that they never may
Increasing others, feel themselves decay.
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Seek Vertue out, then give it strength to be;
Where ere you shall recide let plenty bring
The pride, and expectations of the Spring;
The wealth that loads inticing Autumne grow
Within your reach; let hasty Rivers flow
Till on your shores, they skaly Tribute pay,
Then ebbe themselves in empty waves away;
Let each pale Flow'r, that springeth there, have pow'r
T' invite a Sun-beame, and command a Show'r;
The dew that falls about you taste of Wine,
Each abject Weed change root and be a Vine!
But I with this prophetick plenty grow
Already rich, and proud; cause then I know
The Poets of this Isle, in Vineyards may
Rejoyce, whilst others thirst in groves of Bay!
Sir, let me not your weary patience move;
And sinne, with two much courage of my love!
He that in strength of wishes, next shall trie,
T' increase your blessings with his Poetry
May shew a fiercer Wit, and cleaner Art;
But not a more sincere, and eager Heart.
| The works of Sr William Davenant | |