University of Virginia Library


245

THE TRAVELLOVR,

DILATING VPON THE sundrie changes of humane affaires, most fluctuant when appearing most constant.

AN ODE.

Tell me man, what creature may
Promise him such safe repose,
As secure from hate of foes,
He may thus much truly say,
Nought I haue I feare to lose,
No mischance can me dismay;
Tell me, pray thee (if thou can)
If the woreld haue such a man!
Tell me, if thou canst discerne
By thy reasons excellence,
What man for his prouidence,
Of the Pismire may not learne:
Yet that creature hath but sense,
Though she do her liuing earne,
Spare, not costly, is her fare,
Yet her granar shewes her care!

246

Tell me, canst thou shew me him,
That exact in each deuice,
Is at all times truly wise,
And is neuer seene to swim
(For in this his iudgement lies)
Gainst the current of the streame,
But seemes to haue full command,
Of each thing he takes in hand!
Tell me, was there euer knowne
Such a man that had a wit,
And in some part knew not it,
Till at last conceited growne,
He grew prowder then was fit,
Euer boasting of his owne;
For that Maxime true we know,
“He that's wittie, knowes him so!
Tell me, is that man on earth,
Whose affaires so stable are,
As they may for all his care,
Fall not crosse and crabdly forth,
And of sorrowes haue no share,
Which descend to man by birth;
What is he can promise rest,
When his mind's with griefe opprest!
Tell me, is there ought so strong,
Firmely-constant, permanent,
Or on earth such true content,
As it fadeth not ere long:
Is there ought so excellent,

247

As it changeth not her song
And in time that all deuoures
Mixeth sweets with sharpest soures!
Tell me, who is he that shines
In the height of Princes loue;
Sitting minion-like with loue,
Glorying in those golden times,
But he feares something may moue
His distast by whom He climbes:
Wherefore he that feares to fall,
Should forbeare to climbe at all!
Tell me, where is Fortune plac'd,
That she may not men beguile,
Shrowding frownes with fained smile;
Where is He so highly grac'd,
Shewing greatnesse in his stile,
Hath not bene in time out-fac'd,
By some riuall, where still one
Striues to put another downe!
Tell me, then what life can be
Moresecure, then where report
Makes vs onely knowne to th' Court,
Where we leade our liues so free,
As we're strangers to resort,
Saue our priuate familie;
For I thinke that dwelling best,
Where least cares disturbe our rest!