University of Virginia Library

Upon the Right Reverend, And most Learned Dr. PRIDEAUX, late Bishop of Worcester.

Since Prideaux dy'd, farewel the Muses nine,
Farewel all Learning humane and divine;
For why should we pretend to any part
Of Science, when the Genius of all Art
Lies dead and buryed? Now to make a verse,
And think therewith to deck his golden Hearse,
Were like a boy t' a Generals grave that runs,
And shoots off squibs in stead of greater guns,
To solemnize his Funeral; 'twould he thought
Done in a jeer, and he be whipt if caught.
Alas we cannot speak his praise, for death
E're since it rob'd his body of his breath,
Hath left us speechless, all tongues were his own,
All learned Languages to him were known.
He with deep judgment had more Authors read
Then others Indexes, and might be sed
To be a living Library, admir'd
By this last age, and by the next desir'd.
The University is in despair
To find a Successor like him i'th' chair;
His clear decisions he delivered there,
As Oracles divine received were:
His Arguments and Answers would admit
Of no Replies, so home, so sure they hit,
Preferment he ne're sought, it sought him rather,
First he a Doctor was, and then a Father
Of this our Church; we justly mourn his fall
Who was a Bishop Oecumenical.
His Diocess of Knowledg was so vast,
That throughout all the Universe it past;
Betwixt the Puritane and Papist he
Like a strong Rock fast fixt was in his see,
Against both Factions he did upright stand
Inclining not a jot to either hand;
But a sound Protestant he liv'd and dy'd,
One of the Learnedst e're was of our side.
They that lov'd Learning and a Scholers name
Raise Pyramids to his immortal fame.