University of Virginia Library

FROM THE DUTCH OF PIETER CORNELISZOON HOOFT

I. TO HUGO GROTIUS

Great soul, that with the keenness of clear sight
Just measure takest of approaching things,
Yet by the wisdom that high memory brings
Dost hold full judgment of all past years' flight,
What God or man in counsel or of right
May speak, thou can'st expound; from thee light springs;
Thou art the eye of Holland; when storm rings
In starless weather, thou dost lift thy light.
Sun of our sphere, how shall I liken you?
Art thou a blast that God from heaven out-blew,
Come to our hearts, to find them well prepared?
Or, from the roofs of paradise, a spirit,
Dowered with all skill that sons of light inherit,
Whose wit and power our earth with heaven hath shared?

II. FRIENDSHIP

This earth, embossed with mountains, laced with streams,
Starred with fair cities ringed about with towers,
Whose face with hill and laughing valley gleams,
Whose shadowy woods are full of tender flowers,
The birds, the careless beasts beneath the moon,
And that conceited race of feeble man,
All hold their place by harmony, and soon
Sans friendship would sink out of nature's plan.
From manly friendship cities take their root,
Their nurture and their life; from strife their death;
Thro' civil jars they pant with heavy breath;
So dangerous is division in the State!
In harmony the seeds of glory shoot,
And peace at home makes little kingdoms great.