The works of Sr William Davenant ... Consisting of Those which were formerly Printed, and Those which he design'd for the Press: Now published Out of the Authors Originall Copies |
1. |
1. |
2. |
3. |
4. |
5. |
6. |
2. |
1. |
2. |
3. |
4. |
5. |
6. |
7. |
8. |
3. |
1. |
2. |
3. |
4. |
5. |
6. |
1. |
2. |
To Edward Earl of Dorset, after his Sickness, and happy Recovery.
|
1. |
2. |
3. |
4. |
1. |
2. |
3-4. |
5. |
6. |
7. |
The works of Sr William Davenant | ||
To Edward Earl of Dorset, after his Sickness, and happy Recovery.
My Lord,
I find the Gentry so o're-joy'd i'th' Town,As if all Prisons (safely) were rac'd down;
As if the Judges would no more resist
Wrongs with the Law, but each turne Duelist;
And not with Statutes, but with Rapiers fence,
At Mason's ward to succour Innocence.
As if some trusty Poet now had bin
Chosen with full voice City-Chamberlin;
Their Treasure kept, and might dispose of it
And th'Orphans Goods, as his free Muse thought fit;
As if grave Benchers had been seen to weare
Loud German Spurres, tall Feathers, and long Haire.
Such wilde inversions, both of Men, and Lawes,
Amaz'd my Faith, untill I knew, the cause
247
All griefe in greater Minds, and swell their joy:
Which made me gladly vow to dedicate
Each Year, a solemn sacrifice to Fate;
Such as should please old Esculapius too,
More than dissected Cocks were wont to doe,
(If there be Prophecie in Wine) and then
You shall be known to Altars, as to Men
The works of Sr William Davenant | ||