University of Virginia Library

Epigram. 62. Consanguinio suo Febricitanti.

Two contraries (Philosophy sayes) neuer,
At one time can in one selfe-subiect be,
Yet note but the condition of the feuer,
And 'tis a false position we see;
Which strangely doth conioyn mere opposites,
And extreame cold t'excessiue heate vnites.
Which (like two struggling twinnes within one wombe)
By striuing, so our vitall powers distort,
As both our strength and senses quite benumme,
Distaste our pallats, make vs All a-Mort,
Our bodies of all faculties displace,
And makes our braines to run the wilde-goose chace.
Cozen, to you these lines I need not write,
Who haue the practike, mine's but speculation,
I do but tell; you, feele the Agues might
Would you were lesse acquainted with her fashion.
Yet to your comfort, I haue heard it euer,
“No Physicke for the body to the feuer:
Which though it bring it to some little weaknes,
It purgeth choller, swageth swelling tumours,
Cuts off the causes of ensuing sickenes,
Rarefies fleame, and for all ill-bred humours,
Phlebotomy, nor purging, nor the Bath,
Haue halfe the healthfull power th' Ague hath:
Besides that it the stomacke doth restore,
Reformes digestion, concockts crudities,
Repaires the faculties impair'd before;
Yet for all these, and more good properties,
I thinke you could bee well contented yet,
And I could rather wish you rid of it.