University of Virginia Library

Upon the setting of that Occidental Star John Winthrop Esq;

Governour of Connecticott Colony, Member of the Royal Society; who deceased in his Countreys Service 6 April 1676.

NIne Muses, get you all but one to sleep,
But spare Melpomene, with me to weep.
From you whose bleared Eyes have Lectures read,
Of many of our English Heroe's dead.
I beg a glance from Spectacles of Woe,
(Quotidian Gazets) Brave Winthrop to.
Whose death Terrestrial Comets did portend,
To every one who was his Countreys friend.
The Blaze of Towns was up like Torches light,
To guide him to his Grave, who was so fit
To rule, or to obey, to live or die:
(A special Favorite of the Most High)
Monarch of Natures Secrets, who did hold,
Its grand Elixir named the Star of GOLD.
Or else the World mistakes, and by his deeds,
Of Daily Charities Expence he needs.
But had he it, he wiser was than so,
That every Ape of Artists should it know.
He had the System of the Universe,
Too Glorious for any to Rehearse.
As Moses took the Law in Clouds and Fire;
Which Vulgars barr'd at distance much admire.
Thus was he taught the precious Art of healing,
(Judge we but by success) at Gods revealing.
He mounted up the Stairs of Sciences,
Unto the place of Visions which did please.
Where on the Pinacle of worldly skill,
On Kingdoms of all Arts, he gaz'd his fill.
Into his Thoughts Alembick we may think,
He crouded Stars to make a Diet Drink.
(I mean) Terrestrial Stars which in the Earth,
Receive their vitals and a Mineral Birth:
That Proteus, Mercury, he could compel,
Most soberly well fixt at home to dwell.
Of Salt (which Cooks do use for Eggs and Fishes)
He made a Balsom better than all Riches;
And Sulphur too provided for mens woe,
He made an Antidote Diseases to.
This Terrene three, were made by Fire his friends,
To bring about his ARCHIATRICK ends.
He saw the World, which first had only shade,
And after rich Embroideries on it laid,
Of Glorious Light; how the Homogeneal spark,
Did first Rebell against the Central dark.
He saw the Jemms how first they budded, and
The Birth of Minerals, which put to stand
Natures grand Courtiers. He knew the Womb
From whom the Various Tribes of Herbs did come.
He had been round the Philosophick sea,
And knew the Tincture if there any be:
But all his Art must lie, there's no Disease
Predominant, where he doth take his Ease:
Outliving Theophrast, he shew'd thereby
Himself Hermetick, more surpassing high
TRISMEGESTOS I'll stile him; first in Grace,
Thrice great in ART, the next deserving place;
Thrice High in humble Carriage, and who,
Would not to Highest Meekness ready bow?
England and Holland did great Winthrop woe;
Both had experienc'd Wonders he could doe.
But poor New-England stole his humble Heart,
From whose deep Wounds he never would depart:
His Councel Balsome like, he poured in,
And plaistred up its Breaches made by sin.
Natives themselves, in parlies would confess,
Brave Winthrops Charity and Holiness.
The Time he rul'd, War never toucht his bound,
When Fire, and Sword, and Death, raged all round.
Above whose reach he reigns in Glories Rays,
Singing with all the Saints his Makers praise.