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The Scourge of Folly

Consisting of satyricall Epigrams, And others in honour of many noble Persons and worthy friends, together, with a pleasant (though discordant) Descant upon most English Proverbs and others [by John Davies]

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An inuocation of the water-Nymph Thames, to well-intreat this my Land-Nimph being in her power.

Thames , while thou bearst vpon thy Christ all Brest
My deerest Mistresse, let no Waue her wrong:
And let thy Banckes with Swanny-Ranckes be drest
To chaunt her praises as she glides along.
Though thou hast Queenes oft solac'd on thy Streame
Yet, were they farre lesse great then she is good:
Then, be as proud of her as all of them;
Sith goodnesse more then greatnesse fames a Flud:
Then, if Perfection euer made thee proud;
Now be thou proud: for, now it is in thee:
Yet, when rough Windes do fanne thy face too lowd,
Swell not in pride, but to her humble bee:
Sith when thou hast her, then doth Water hold
More VVorth then all the Land, though all were Gold.