 | Pierides
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68. Knowledge.
Through the Meander of invented art
I've deeply waded, and unthaw'd the Ice
Of knotty contexts; as a steely Dart,
I pierc't through mysteries, dark, obscure and nice:
Fair Cypria's function was made known to me,
I've with her daughters been too well acquainted;
I've known Romes stages and her gallantry:
In pastimes Paradise I have been planted.
Nor was my senses oyl'd with such content,
But that displeasure also had its growth.
I know what 't was to laugh and to lament,
I spell'd the nature, and the use of both:
I spur'd my genius, on my Muse I put
Into the Labyrinth of as deep conclusion
As sense and reason knew. I hew'd and cut
The doors of darkness down, and made intrusion.
I was acquainted with the starry realm
As others be, yet here my knowledge lack't,
I knew not him that sitteth at the helm,
By whose discretion all the Planets act.
Therefore thou root of nature, and of art,
(Since void of knowing thee makes knowledg void,)
Infuse no other Science in my heart,
Then of my self and thee, my glorious guide.
| Pierides
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