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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Epitaph on I. Walker.
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 | The works of Sr William Davenant |  |
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Epitaph on I. Walker.
Envy'd and lov'd, here lies the Prince of mirth!Who laugh'd at the grave bus'ness of the Earth,
Look'd on ambitious States-men with such eyes,
As might discern them guilty, could not wise.
That did the noyse of War, and Battailes hear,
As mov'd to smiling pitty, not to fear:
Thought fighting Princes at their dying sad;
Believ'd, both Victors, and the Conquer'd mad:
Might have been rich, as oft as he would please,
But ways to wealth, are not the ways to ease.
The wit and courage of his talk, now rests,
In their impatient keeping that steale-Jeasts;
His Jeasts, who e're shall Father, and repeat
Shall mem'ry needs, but let's estate be great,
Danger so season'd them, each hath Salt left,
Will yet undo the poor for one small theft;
The rich, that will own them, what e're they pay,
Shall find, 'tis twice a week Star-Chamberday.
| The works of Sr William Davenant | |