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 |
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POEM TO THE Earl of Orrery. |
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 | The works of Sr William Davenant |  |
275
POEM TO THE Earl of Orrery.
My Lord, I will hoist saile; and all the wind
My Barke can bear shall hasten me to find
A great new World: for since Philosophie
Plainly discovers any man to be
A little World, 'tis consequent that you
Must be a great, and may be reckon'd new,
If my discovery draw the Curtain more,
And make the Object wider then before:
There prospects are not seen in shadow'd Lights;
No darkness hides your depths, no Cloud your heights.
So dear is all about your radiant Minde
That Ignorance seems now through Envy blinde;
Whilst Envy grows reclaim'd, and turnes aside,
Griev'd only that her shame she cannot hide.
My Barke can bear shall hasten me to find
A great new World: for since Philosophie
Plainly discovers any man to be
A little World, 'tis consequent that you
Must be a great, and may be reckon'd new,
If my discovery draw the Curtain more,
And make the Object wider then before:
There prospects are not seen in shadow'd Lights;
No darkness hides your depths, no Cloud your heights.
So dear is all about your radiant Minde
That Ignorance seems now through Envy blinde;
Whilst Envy grows reclaim'd, and turnes aside,
Griev'd only that her shame she cannot hide.
And yet as he, whose first discovery
Did for this world the new West-World descry,
Attain'd some glory, though he found not then
More then in misty Woods the tracks of men;
So some renown may be already due
To me, for but beginning to find you.
Unless I vaunt, and am audacious grown
When in the Poets Mapp I write you down
A new discover'd World found out by me;
As if your Mindes great Flame could hidden be
From any Eyes; a minde so eminent
As does the need of being sought prevent.
Did for this world the new West-World descry,
Attain'd some glory, though he found not then
More then in misty Woods the tracks of men;
So some renown may be already due
To me, for but beginning to find you.
Unless I vaunt, and am audacious grown
When in the Poets Mapp I write you down
A new discover'd World found out by me;
As if your Mindes great Flame could hidden be
From any Eyes; a minde so eminent
As does the need of being sought prevent.
You are the great discov'ry made by all;
And it would seeme as much fantasticall
To say that you were found by me alone,
As if I boasted that I found the Sun;
Which to the publick shines, and sends the light
That shews us him, and makes us find our sight.
And it would seeme as much fantasticall
To say that you were found by me alone,
As if I boasted that I found the Sun;
Which to the publick shines, and sends the light
That shews us him, and makes us find our sight.
276
Besides, as he who made discovery
Of the west-world, could not directly ply
To make those Harbours which he after found;
Who, though he westward; steer'd, was no where bound;
So can I not to you, no, not by guess,
Appoint my self particular access,
Till, coasting part of you, your depths be found;
Which no Line else but length of Time can sound.
Of the west-world, could not directly ply
To make those Harbours which he after found;
Who, though he westward; steer'd, was no where bound;
So can I not to you, no, not by guess,
Appoint my self particular access,
Till, coasting part of you, your depths be found;
Which no Line else but length of Time can sound.
And as he knew not, when he first saw Land,
The place of Silver Oare, or Golden Sand;
Nor knew to dive near Rocks where Mermaids dwell
And lock their Pearles in Cabinets of shell;
So are there several treasures of your minde,
Which none but such wise Travellers can find
As long within your Mindes vast Country stay
And get advice to perfect their survey.
The place of Silver Oare, or Golden Sand;
Nor knew to dive near Rocks where Mermaids dwell
And lock their Pearles in Cabinets of shell;
So are there several treasures of your minde,
Which none but such wise Travellers can find
As long within your Mindes vast Country stay
And get advice to perfect their survey.
And as at first, ere any dreames he told
Of his new world to any of our old,
Though he slept well, not starting then with feare
He should mistake his course, or want Mines there;
Yet he did often grieve, and doubtfull grow
That this unworthy World scarce ought to know
Even whence he would set saile, or with what winde;
Much less possess the Mountaines he should finde.
So I have tenderness enough to doubt
Whither this world should learne to find you out:
Where many Goths give frighted Science chace,
All Empires covet, and would all deface.
Of his new world to any of our old,
Though he slept well, not starting then with feare
He should mistake his course, or want Mines there;
Yet he did often grieve, and doubtfull grow
That this unworthy World scarce ought to know
Even whence he would set saile, or with what winde;
Much less possess the Mountaines he should finde.
So I have tenderness enough to doubt
Whither this world should learne to find you out:
Where many Goths give frighted Science chace,
All Empires covet, and would all deface.
But as he then his voyage did pursue
Proudly, for special Interest, and of few;
Or rather did that Ages ills pass by,
And would oblige some good Posterity:
So I, with pride; to my discovery move,
But of a braver world then his could prove;
Putting full Trimme, gay Flaggs, and Streamers forth;
In hope to find you out for Mindes of worth:
Which are so few, that we must add, to raise
The Count, such as shall shine in future dayes.
Proudly, for special Interest, and of few;
Or rather did that Ages ills pass by,
And would oblige some good Posterity:
So I, with pride; to my discovery move,
But of a braver world then his could prove;
Putting full Trimme, gay Flaggs, and Streamers forth;
In hope to find you out for Mindes of worth:
Which are so few, that we must add, to raise
The Count, such as shall shine in future dayes.
And as when Nine unquiet Moones he spent,
Yet never saw the Golden Continent;
But coasting near the Isles, found that a Tide
Of spacious Sea those Islands did divide;
Then sayl'd where Salsa, and where Coco-Trees,
Are at farr distance seated in the Briez;
Then came where swarmes of Cochinella's fly,
Whose Blood gives Monarchs Robes their purple dy:
Things yet so strange made him incline to boast
That touching at those Isles, he trod the Coast
Of the vast Land, where Natures walks are free,
Her Heards unbounded as her Shoales at Sea;
Where her digestions slacken not with cold,
For she sits warme by furnaces of Gold.
Yet never saw the Golden Continent;
But coasting near the Isles, found that a Tide
Of spacious Sea those Islands did divide;
Then sayl'd where Salsa, and where Coco-Trees,
Are at farr distance seated in the Briez;
Then came where swarmes of Cochinella's fly,
Whose Blood gives Monarchs Robes their purple dy:
Things yet so strange made him incline to boast
That touching at those Isles, he trod the Coast
Of the vast Land, where Natures walks are free,
Her Heards unbounded as her Shoales at Sea;
Where her digestions slacken not with cold,
For she sits warme by furnaces of Gold.
As thus a Voyage long he spent, to gain
Those Isles, which are but fragments of the Maine;
Yet bless'd his Carde, as if he had possest
All Natures great Reserve in the wide West;
So I, by length of Progresses, may find
The outward parts, or borders of your Mind;
Your gracefull temper, soft civility;
Formes without which Courts but in Chaos lie;
And which the outward signes have ever been
Of Greatness safe, and satisfy'd within;
Which covets toyling Pow'r for others ease;
Not as tis able to offend, but please.
Those Isles, which are but fragments of the Maine;
277
All Natures great Reserve in the wide West;
So I, by length of Progresses, may find
The outward parts, or borders of your Mind;
Your gracefull temper, soft civility;
Formes without which Courts but in Chaos lie;
And which the outward signes have ever been
Of Greatness safe, and satisfy'd within;
Which covets toyling Pow'r for others ease;
Not as tis able to offend, but please.
The Windes are mine! and to those streams must blow
Where your full eloquence does gently flow!
I have a Gale shall drive me farther yet
To reach the rising prospect of your wit.
The Teneriff, ascending to the Sky,
Lifts not so sharp a spire, nor mounts so high;
Whose Top, farr off, does in dark Clouds appear;
But, at approach, that and your wit grow clear.
And yet all these, and more and better farr
Then these which first we meet, but countless are
To those which, being excellently best,
Seeme lockt like precious Mines within your breast:
The first, are like the Druggs, and like the Fly
The Isles afford for Med'cine, and to dy
Court-Colours, which must fall to triviall worth,
Compar'd to what the Continent brings forth;
Whose sacred Gold cures Pow'rs unpitty'd griefe;
Giving to Sick and dying States reliefe.
The vertues which those Island-Druggs comprise
Are slow, and but for common maladies.
How great is the distinction, when we find
Those heale the Body, this does cure the Mind?
And as in these the difference large appears,
So 'tis in you, who all our Eyes and Eares
Well entertain by your more obvious parts;
Your greater and reserv'd oblige our hearts.
Where your full eloquence does gently flow!
I have a Gale shall drive me farther yet
To reach the rising prospect of your wit.
The Teneriff, ascending to the Sky,
Lifts not so sharp a spire, nor mounts so high;
Whose Top, farr off, does in dark Clouds appear;
But, at approach, that and your wit grow clear.
And yet all these, and more and better farr
Then these which first we meet, but countless are
To those which, being excellently best,
Seeme lockt like precious Mines within your breast:
The first, are like the Druggs, and like the Fly
The Isles afford for Med'cine, and to dy
Court-Colours, which must fall to triviall worth,
Compar'd to what the Continent brings forth;
Whose sacred Gold cures Pow'rs unpitty'd griefe;
Giving to Sick and dying States reliefe.
The vertues which those Island-Druggs comprise
Are slow, and but for common maladies.
How great is the distinction, when we find
Those heale the Body, this does cure the Mind?
And as in these the difference large appears,
So 'tis in you, who all our Eyes and Eares
Well entertain by your more obvious parts;
Your greater and reserv'd oblige our hearts.
Yet, as he thought he saw, when he saw shore,
All Natures fashions chang'd from what she wore
In his own Clime; and that she did appeare
So rich, as if her hoord of Mines were there;
Then tackt about, and strait grew homeward bound,
To see in Seamens Mapps, his Image crown'd;
So I, when first your Ornaments I find,
Presume a comprehension of your mind;
And think that having gon thus farr, I may
From further progress other Poets stay:
Fixing my Pillers short like Hercules,
Who faintly stopt at sight of raging Seas;
Or knew not that he there could have a wind
By which he might the happy Islands find,
And then the western World His Pillers were
But monuments of ignorance and feare.
How vaine are those who hasty triumphs make
When by approach they but the Out-workes take?
As if already they had got within,
Levell'd the Fort, and fir'd the Magazin.
All Natures fashions chang'd from what she wore
In his own Clime; and that she did appeare
So rich, as if her hoord of Mines were there;
Then tackt about, and strait grew homeward bound,
To see in Seamens Mapps, his Image crown'd;
So I, when first your Ornaments I find,
Presume a comprehension of your mind;
And think that having gon thus farr, I may
From further progress other Poets stay:
Fixing my Pillers short like Hercules,
Who faintly stopt at sight of raging Seas;
Or knew not that he there could have a wind
By which he might the happy Islands find,
And then the western World His Pillers were
But monuments of ignorance and feare.
How vaine are those who hasty triumphs make
When by approach they but the Out-workes take?
278
Levell'd the Fort, and fir'd the Magazin.
But why does wonder thus ascend to teach
Heights which this grov'ling World can never reach?
And offer vertues here, as rarities,
Where most, even Vice, for being common, prize?
Heights which this grov'ling World can never reach?
And offer vertues here, as rarities,
Where most, even Vice, for being common, prize?
In me, it equally uncivill were
To boast your Ornaments and Vertues here
(Where few have any, Multitudes have none,
And most court those who are pretenders grown)
As in a Lover it would be to bring
A Beauty, fresh, and promising as Spring,
There, where her looks might an Assembly vex
Of the most proud and wither'd of her Sex;
Where they had Lovers too, who with false flame
Courted their Dress for beauty, till she came.
To boast your Ornaments and Vertues here
(Where few have any, Multitudes have none,
And most court those who are pretenders grown)
As in a Lover it would be to bring
A Beauty, fresh, and promising as Spring,
There, where her looks might an Assembly vex
Of the most proud and wither'd of her Sex;
Where they had Lovers too, who with false flame
Courted their Dress for beauty, till she came.
But 'tis some Justice to ascribe to chance
The wrongs you must expect from Ignorance.
None can the Moulds of their Creation chuse;
We therefore should Mens ignorance excuse,
When borne too low to reach at things sublime,
'Tis rather their misfortune then their Crime.
The wrongs you must expect from Ignorance.
None can the Moulds of their Creation chuse;
We therefore should Mens ignorance excuse,
When borne too low to reach at things sublime,
'Tis rather their misfortune then their Crime.
As our renown'd Discov'rer triumph made,
When, at returne, he did his fraight unlade
Of things so strange, that yet they had no name,
Which from the nearest Indian Islands came,
Though in the Continent he thought they grew,
And Merchants wariness he little knew:
But quickly mourn'd when he perceiv'd that none
Esteem'd rich Merchandise of Druggs unknown;
Then, not their want of knowledge did condemne,
But found he fail'd, not knowing Trade nor them.
When, at returne, he did his fraight unlade
Of things so strange, that yet they had no name,
Which from the nearest Indian Islands came,
Though in the Continent he thought they grew,
And Merchants wariness he little knew:
But quickly mourn'd when he perceiv'd that none
Esteem'd rich Merchandise of Druggs unknown;
Then, not their want of knowledge did condemne,
But found he fail'd, not knowing Trade nor them.
So I, if all my coasting-Cards prove true,
May bring the nearest Rarities of you;
Things of your outward and your hither part,
As Limmes seeme Outworkes of the Fort your Heart.
I may in haste, like him, vaine Trophys raise
For that which others have not skill to praise;
Then soon, like him, judiciously may grieve,
Not that I bring what few will here receive,
But thus their ignorance of you condemne,
When I should blame my ignorance of them.
May bring the nearest Rarities of you;
Things of your outward and your hither part,
As Limmes seeme Outworkes of the Fort your Heart.
I may in haste, like him, vaine Trophys raise
For that which others have not skill to praise;
Then soon, like him, judiciously may grieve,
Not that I bring what few will here receive,
But thus their ignorance of you condemne,
When I should blame my ignorance of them.
You must reverse your Perspective to see
Most men at such a cyze as they should be
In just esteeme, little and short, for so
You shall contract what was but stretcht for shovv:
And when you thus their true proportion make,
You shall no more undoe them by mistake;
But then, by shrinking your large minde, grow fit
And usefull to the Stature of their wit.
Most men at such a cyze as they should be
In just esteeme, little and short, for so
You shall contract what was but stretcht for shovv:
And when you thus their true proportion make,
You shall no more undoe them by mistake;
But then, by shrinking your large minde, grow fit
And usefull to the Stature of their wit.
For as our wise Discov'rer (having found
How short a Line would all the Bosomes sound
Of his wilde Traffiquers) meant when he made,
In his next Voyage, tenders of free Trade.
With free Mankind to stow what such esteem;
Things that might rather please then profit them;
Not Silks or Cloth (where Feathers and where Shells
Are Ornaments) but pretty Beads and Bells.
For who for such wilde Merchants would prepare
That which to sober men is solid ware?
How short a Line would all the Bosomes sound
Of his wilde Traffiquers) meant when he made,
In his next Voyage, tenders of free Trade.
279
Things that might rather please then profit them;
Not Silks or Cloth (where Feathers and where Shells
Are Ornaments) but pretty Beads and Bells.
For who for such wilde Merchants would prepare
That which to sober men is solid ware?
So you with some wilde men may traffick here;
Men of a graver wildness then is there;
So solemnly and so austerely mad,
As if all Bedlam were in Mourning clad.
To these your precious Lading must not come;
But when you Trade, consider first with whom:
For when to such your temper you dispence,
Civilitie, or Wit, or Eloquence,
Your Piller-Judgment, which all weight can bear,
And Courage, which to shame turns others fear:
It shews as if the Muses, in distress,
Fled from their Parents, Lords of antient Greece;
To marry Goths and Vandals; or it looks
Like Trading to Braziel with Grecian Books.
Men of a graver wildness then is there;
So solemnly and so austerely mad,
As if all Bedlam were in Mourning clad.
To these your precious Lading must not come;
But when you Trade, consider first with whom:
For when to such your temper you dispence,
Civilitie, or Wit, or Eloquence,
Your Piller-Judgment, which all weight can bear,
And Courage, which to shame turns others fear:
It shews as if the Muses, in distress,
Fled from their Parents, Lords of antient Greece;
To marry Goths and Vandals; or it looks
Like Trading to Braziel with Grecian Books.
How can your graceful temper vallew'd be
By those, whose Temper is Stupiditie;
Or such a numness is as blowes will bear;
And never can be quickn'd but by Fear.
Their patience stops them not from doing ill
No more then patience makes a Log lie still:
For when they cease the excercise of rage,
'Tis not as Reason does our wrath asswage,
But as cold Frosts do Torrents quiet keep,
Or Wrath is dull'd and pacifi'd by Sleep.
By those, whose Temper is Stupiditie;
Or such a numness is as blowes will bear;
And never can be quickn'd but by Fear.
Their patience stops them not from doing ill
No more then patience makes a Log lie still:
For when they cease the excercise of rage,
'Tis not as Reason does our wrath asswage,
But as cold Frosts do Torrents quiet keep,
Or Wrath is dull'd and pacifi'd by Sleep.
True Temper when provokt, does comely grow;
And ev'n, when study'd, natural does show:
Like that of Socrates, and such as yours,
Which, in State-Tempests, gracefully endures
The threat'ning Thunder of the great and Loud,
The chol'rick, flashes of the Hot and Proud;
Yet stands like a Reserve, in all parts clos'd,
So far from Rout that 'tis not discompos'd:
This is the Temper and must be the Glass,
Where Pow'r, to take the World, should dress her Face.
What is Civility to those who wear
Sterne looks, thinking 'tis grave to look severe?
Who even in youth, carry their Wealth and place
And Courts lov'd Monster, Bus'ness, in the Face.
VVho all the Signs of being civil lack
But that they walk in Cities and wear black.
Yet think the course thick Flattery, which they
First on themselves, then on each other lay,
Is all that civil wise Humilitie,
VVhich we in Palaces or Temples see:
VVhich stills with patient Eares a restless Tongue,
Hears the afflicted out, though ever long,
Not grieving Sutors when constrain'd to stop
The pleasing progress of imprudent Hope:
And with such sweet compassion meets Distress
As it seems satisfi'd without redress.
And ev'n, when study'd, natural does show:
Like that of Socrates, and such as yours,
Which, in State-Tempests, gracefully endures
The threat'ning Thunder of the great and Loud,
The chol'rick, flashes of the Hot and Proud;
Yet stands like a Reserve, in all parts clos'd,
So far from Rout that 'tis not discompos'd:
This is the Temper and must be the Glass,
Where Pow'r, to take the World, should dress her Face.
What is Civility to those who wear
Sterne looks, thinking 'tis grave to look severe?
Who even in youth, carry their Wealth and place
And Courts lov'd Monster, Bus'ness, in the Face.
VVho all the Signs of being civil lack
But that they walk in Cities and wear black.
Yet think the course thick Flattery, which they
First on themselves, then on each other lay,
Is all that civil wise Humilitie,
VVhich we in Palaces or Temples see:
VVhich stills with patient Eares a restless Tongue,
Hears the afflicted out, though ever long,
Not grieving Sutors when constrain'd to stop
The pleasing progress of imprudent Hope:
280
As it seems satisfi'd without redress.
This is Civility, by Nature yours:
And without Art, each crowded Pass secures,
Where Sutors long for slow dispatches stay,
And to unquiet Thrones would force their way:
Bright Thrones, the hardest Seats in Palaces;
Where weary Pow'r does never sit at ease.
Civility does those with softness gain
Whom Armies else by rigour must restrain:
Armies, whose civil strength prevents the wrongs
Attempted by unarm'd uncivil Throngs:
And thus as Pow'r does scatter'd strength collect
And Arm, that it from Throngs may Pow'r protect;
So should the People that form'd Force esteem,
Since from their own fierce rage it rescues them.
And without Art, each crowded Pass secures,
Where Sutors long for slow dispatches stay,
And to unquiet Thrones would force their way:
Bright Thrones, the hardest Seats in Palaces;
Where weary Pow'r does never sit at ease.
Civility does those with softness gain
Whom Armies else by rigour must restrain:
Armies, whose civil strength prevents the wrongs
Attempted by unarm'd uncivil Throngs:
And thus as Pow'r does scatter'd strength collect
And Arm, that it from Throngs may Pow'r protect;
So should the People that form'd Force esteem,
Since from their own fierce rage it rescues them.
What is judicious Eloquence to those
Whose Speech not up to others reason grows,
But climbs aloft to their own passions height;
And as our Seamen make no use of sight
By any thing observ'd in wide strange Seas,
But only of the length of Voyages;
Or else, as Men in Races make no stay
To draw large Prospects of their breadth of way,
So they, in heedless Races of the Tongue,
Care not how broad their Theame is but how long.
Whilst some of their low level take wise notes,
As Germans do of Tales in Passage-Boats:
Which to no use, nor aime of pleasure tend
But that their length may with the Journey end.
Whose Speech not up to others reason grows,
But climbs aloft to their own passions height;
And as our Seamen make no use of sight
By any thing observ'd in wide strange Seas,
But only of the length of Voyages;
Or else, as Men in Races make no stay
To draw large Prospects of their breadth of way,
So they, in heedless Races of the Tongue,
Care not how broad their Theame is but how long.
Whilst some of their low level take wise notes,
As Germans do of Tales in Passage-Boats:
Which to no use, nor aime of pleasure tend
But that their length may with the Journey end.
And yet they think their Eloquence like that
By which you sodainly end long debate,
As if in ambush Reason watching lay
To charge with a Reserve and get the day.
Yours can all Turnes and Counter-turnings find
To catch Opinion, as a Ship the winde;
Which blowing cross, the Pilot backward steers,
And shifting Sayles, makes way when he Laveers.
As this is Eloquence so is it yours;
Which in the Tongues fierce war, fled Truth secures;
And when the Few would to the Many yeild
Lifts Reasons Ensignes higher in the Field.
By which you sodainly end long debate,
As if in ambush Reason watching lay
To charge with a Reserve and get the day.
Yours can all Turnes and Counter-turnings find
To catch Opinion, as a Ship the winde;
Which blowing cross, the Pilot backward steers,
And shifting Sayles, makes way when he Laveers.
As this is Eloquence so is it yours;
Which in the Tongues fierce war, fled Truth secures;
And when the Few would to the Many yeild
Lifts Reasons Ensignes higher in the Field.
How can your Wit please Men so formal grown
As they believe it wiser to have none?
Or (being born but to a narrow Store,
And still in haste, proudly to make it more,
By drawing Arts of Empire to their care)
Have simply lost their Native little share;
Then praise their want of it, and pitty such
As they conceive disturb'd by having much.
Like Men who having but by fits their Sent
(And misapplying Art till all be spent)
Seem Natures purpose subt'ly to disdain,
In making Smell and of the Sence complain,
As oft'ner serv'd with noysome Fumes then Sweet;
And some, that fasting Ravens would not meet.
As they believe it wiser to have none?
Or (being born but to a narrow Store,
And still in haste, proudly to make it more,
By drawing Arts of Empire to their care)
Have simply lost their Native little share;
Then praise their want of it, and pitty such
As they conceive disturb'd by having much.
Like Men who having but by fits their Sent
(And misapplying Art till all be spent)
281
In making Smell and of the Sence complain,
As oft'ner serv'd with noysome Fumes then Sweet;
And some, that fasting Ravens would not meet.
Yet those who live contented without VVit,
Sin less then when they wear the counterfeit;
VVhen VVit in Crafts vild Stamp they currant make;
Craft, the most wretched Shape weak Man can take!
Slender, and Low; for it through Crowds would pass,
By slight, not strength, and would not cumber Place.
It hath a little Head, and fill'd with Aire;
Small Eies, so matc'd, that they are scarce a pair;
Looking with strange and with familiar show,
At once on Two whom equally they know.
Craft wears this shape, whose bosome Mischief lines,
VVith Stuffe as poor as VVitches low designes.
And yet they give their Craft the Name of VVit;
And weakly think that Pow'r has use of it.
Sure when so base a Metal aims to pass
For Gold, the very Blind will cry out, Brass!
Dares shadow'd Craft assume the shape of VVit,
VVhen nought but Light can well resemble it?
Sin less then when they wear the counterfeit;
VVhen VVit in Crafts vild Stamp they currant make;
Craft, the most wretched Shape weak Man can take!
Slender, and Low; for it through Crowds would pass,
By slight, not strength, and would not cumber Place.
It hath a little Head, and fill'd with Aire;
Small Eies, so matc'd, that they are scarce a pair;
Looking with strange and with familiar show,
At once on Two whom equally they know.
Craft wears this shape, whose bosome Mischief lines,
VVith Stuffe as poor as VVitches low designes.
And yet they give their Craft the Name of VVit;
And weakly think that Pow'r has use of it.
Sure when so base a Metal aims to pass
For Gold, the very Blind will cry out, Brass!
Dares shadow'd Craft assume the shape of VVit,
VVhen nought but Light can well resemble it?
VVit flies beyond the limits of that Law,
By which our Sculptors grave, or Painters draw,
And Statuaries up to Nature grow;
VVho all their strokes of Life to Poets owe.
Their Art can make no shape for Wit to wear;
It is divine and can no Image bear.
None by description can that Soul express;
Yet all must the effects of it confess:
States boast of those effects when they relate,
How they in Treaties foyl'd a duller State.
And VVarriours, shewing how they gain'd the Day,
How they drew up, and where there ambush lay:
And Lovers, telling, why a Rival fail'd,
VVhilst they but whisp'red Beauty and prevail'd.
And Cloyster'd men, when they with smiles declare
How rigidly they are confin'd from care,
And how they let the world plough troubled Seas,
VVhilst they for pennance must endure their ease.
By which our Sculptors grave, or Painters draw,
And Statuaries up to Nature grow;
VVho all their strokes of Life to Poets owe.
Their Art can make no shape for Wit to wear;
It is divine and can no Image bear.
None by description can that Soul express;
Yet all must the effects of it confess:
States boast of those effects when they relate,
How they in Treaties foyl'd a duller State.
And VVarriours, shewing how they gain'd the Day,
How they drew up, and where there ambush lay:
And Lovers, telling, why a Rival fail'd,
VVhilst they but whisp'red Beauty and prevail'd.
And Cloyster'd men, when they with smiles declare
How rigidly they are confin'd from care,
And how they let the world plough troubled Seas,
VVhilst they for pennance must endure their ease.
Reason grown bold, because her strength she knows;
VVhich, when with growth enlarg'd, more active grows;
VVhich like a Ship of VVar, well ballasted,
Does with her Ballasts weight augment her speed;
Which does such quickness in her strength comprise,
That she to action does together rise
A standing Army and a running Force;
As apt to move with Canon as with Horse;
Then in small strengths divides and marches far,
Where Northern Ignorance makes Winter-war;
Yet her Retreat bravely at last secures:
Reason, like this, is Wit; and such is yours:
Whose Game is Chess, in which all chief degrees
Of Empire move, and by your hand, with ease.
Who quickly those coherent Forces spy,
That march about, to steal a Victory;
And whilst the Wit that guides the adverse hand
Proceeds but slowly, or does make a stand,
Yours in a moment ends the long debate;
And, with one check, prevents and gives the Mate.
VVhich, when with growth enlarg'd, more active grows;
VVhich like a Ship of VVar, well ballasted,
Does with her Ballasts weight augment her speed;
Which does such quickness in her strength comprise,
That she to action does together rise
A standing Army and a running Force;
As apt to move with Canon as with Horse;
Then in small strengths divides and marches far,
Where Northern Ignorance makes Winter-war;
Yet her Retreat bravely at last secures:
Reason, like this, is Wit; and such is yours:
Whose Game is Chess, in which all chief degrees
Of Empire move, and by your hand, with ease.
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That march about, to steal a Victory;
And whilst the Wit that guides the adverse hand
Proceeds but slowly, or does make a stand,
Yours in a moment ends the long debate;
And, with one check, prevents and gives the Mate.
How can your Judgment, as profound as Seas,
Be lik'd by those whom feares of depth displease?
That so of deeper knowledge are affraid,
As Women are with depths of Seas dismay'd;
Who rather trust those Rivers where they may,
Still see the dreaded bottom of their way:
Whilst more experienc'd seamen Shallows shun,
And hoyst all Sailes, where deeper Channels run.
Be lik'd by those whom feares of depth displease?
That so of deeper knowledge are affraid,
As Women are with depths of Seas dismay'd;
Who rather trust those Rivers where they may,
Still see the dreaded bottom of their way:
Whilst more experienc'd seamen Shallows shun,
And hoyst all Sailes, where deeper Channels run.
But as the Spaniards (whom meer wind and chance
Did Westward lead, and to wilde Thrones advance)
Thought to walk on with Empire till they came,
Where the declining Sun does quench his Flame,
Till they did reach the utmost bounds of Light,
And saw him steal into the Bed of Night:
Then thought, they could that spacious Empire sway,
Whilst lazily, they stretcht in Arbours lay.
Yet soon (unable grown to manage more
Then what, with ease, grew subject to their Pow'r)
They checkt each Pilot that would farther go,
And seem'd suffic'd with what they first did know;
Least yielding to know more, their knowledge might
To others walks become a happy Light.
Did Westward lead, and to wilde Thrones advance)
Thought to walk on with Empire till they came,
Where the declining Sun does quench his Flame,
Till they did reach the utmost bounds of Light,
And saw him steal into the Bed of Night:
Then thought, they could that spacious Empire sway,
Whilst lazily, they stretcht in Arbours lay.
Yet soon (unable grown to manage more
Then what, with ease, grew subject to their Pow'r)
They checkt each Pilot that would farther go,
And seem'd suffic'd with what they first did know;
Least yielding to know more, their knowledge might
To others walks become a happy Light.
So when Opinion (that outragious winde,
Which swells and drives the Peoples sailing Minde;
And when fantastick chance, which does it steer)
Had brought these in, to rule wilde Empire here,
They thought to sit at everlasting ease
In Clouds; and there from Ayrie Palaces,
Drop fruitful showres of Edicts over all,
Softly as snow that does in Feathers fall;
But as cold Snow, when it awhile is felt,
Does heat that hand that after does it melt;
So they, though cool at first, did quickly draw
Forth heat, that did their Pow'r as quickly thaw.
Then finding they lackt knowledge to discharge,
That sway which first they purpos'd to inlarge,
They poorly meant this Empire to contract,
Less'ning their Stage where few were fit to act:
Treating all those, as Strangers and as Spies,
That boldly durst adventure to be wise:
Proudly confining others knowledge by
Bounds of their own confin'd capacity.
Which swells and drives the Peoples sailing Minde;
And when fantastick chance, which does it steer)
Had brought these in, to rule wilde Empire here,
They thought to sit at everlasting ease
In Clouds; and there from Ayrie Palaces,
Drop fruitful showres of Edicts over all,
Softly as snow that does in Feathers fall;
But as cold Snow, when it awhile is felt,
Does heat that hand that after does it melt;
So they, though cool at first, did quickly draw
Forth heat, that did their Pow'r as quickly thaw.
Then finding they lackt knowledge to discharge,
That sway which first they purpos'd to inlarge,
They poorly meant this Empire to contract,
Less'ning their Stage where few were fit to act:
Treating all those, as Strangers and as Spies,
That boldly durst adventure to be wise:
Proudly confining others knowledge by
Bounds of their own confin'd capacity.
Sure they did think abundant knowledge, Vice;
And thought, it was so held in Paradise.
Man there was fin'd for that proud Ignorance
Which would his thoughts to reachless heights advance.
In this the diff'rence does apparent grow;
Man cannot God, nor his high secrets know:
Of him, and his wak'd Reason can but dream;
But you asleep may find out theirs and them.
And thought, it was so held in Paradise.
Man there was fin'd for that proud Ignorance
Which would his thoughts to reachless heights advance.
In this the diff'rence does apparent grow;
Man cannot God, nor his high secrets know:
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But you asleep may find out theirs and them.
Could they so young and new of judgment be
To think the glorious Robe, Authority,
Which they patcht up by many hands in haste,
Then wore all day and night, could ever last?
Wore in all Weathers, and in ev'ry Throng;
Whilst it through haste was often put on wrong;
Not us'd as onely for Solemnity,
For order shewn awhile, and then lay'd by:
But so, as some would by a careless Dress,
Great scorn of little outward things express:
To think the glorious Robe, Authority,
Which they patcht up by many hands in haste,
Then wore all day and night, could ever last?
Wore in all Weathers, and in ev'ry Throng;
Whilst it through haste was often put on wrong;
Not us'd as onely for Solemnity,
For order shewn awhile, and then lay'd by:
But so, as some would by a careless Dress,
Great scorn of little outward things express:
So oft they wore it, that it could not more
Be seen, if at the publick Senate Dore
It had hung out, and there a Sign had bin,
Of some strange innate Pow'r that lodg'd within.
And in this Robe of Pow'r they did despise,
Gay colours which allure the Peoples Eies,
As if through sullenness, or by mistake
Of Empires fashions, they had dy'd it black.
Be seen, if at the publick Senate Dore
It had hung out, and there a Sign had bin,
Of some strange innate Pow'r that lodg'd within.
And in this Robe of Pow'r they did despise,
Gay colours which allure the Peoples Eies,
As if through sullenness, or by mistake
Of Empires fashions, they had dy'd it black.
Well might we think Pow'r was in Mourning clad,
When all took care to keep the People sad;
Silenc'd their pleasant Schole, the Theatre,
(Which taught them men) not that they could not there
The sorrows of the Tragick Scene permit,
But that those sorrows were but counterfeit.
They banisht Musick too, because the sad
And thoughtful it preserv'd from being Mad:
For Madness then was in a high esteem,
Allow'd in all, and reverenc'd in them.
When all took care to keep the People sad;
Silenc'd their pleasant Schole, the Theatre,
(Which taught them men) not that they could not there
The sorrows of the Tragick Scene permit,
But that those sorrows were but counterfeit.
They banisht Musick too, because the sad
And thoughtful it preserv'd from being Mad:
For Madness then was in a high esteem,
Allow'd in all, and reverenc'd in them.
Nature (which is, though dimm, the only Glass,
Where all a little see the Godheads face
That walk with open Eies) was hardly free,
From being chid for too much levitie,
Because her feather'd Quire but vainly sing,
When she does usher in the gaudy Spring.
They thought their painted Plumes ill patterns here,
By which our Lovers vary what they weare.
Whilst all her Flowers that do our Meades adorne
Seem but her Ribbands and for fancy worne.
Where all a little see the Godheads face
That walk with open Eies) was hardly free,
From being chid for too much levitie,
Because her feather'd Quire but vainly sing,
When she does usher in the gaudy Spring.
They thought their painted Plumes ill patterns here,
By which our Lovers vary what they weare.
Whilst all her Flowers that do our Meades adorne
Seem but her Ribbands and for fancy worne.
If Judgment could in solemn dulness lie,
(Which weaker Rulers wear for gravity)
Then those must needs transcendent judgments have,
That would instruct wise Nature to be grave.
(Which weaker Rulers wear for gravity)
Then those must needs transcendent judgments have,
That would instruct wise Nature to be grave.
A well establisht Judgment, such as yours
By perfect strength as certainly secures
The aimes of Pow'r as what she does possess;
And Empire ever must intend increase:
Empire, the Tyde of restless Greatnesses,
Shov'd on at Land as Rivers are from Seas;
Which at no mark can any moment stay,
But when it cannot rise must ebb away.
And as your judgment can so greatly do,
Preserve possession and inlarge it too,
So can it boldly to great works proceed,
Without those shifts which weaker judgments need:
In its known forces safe, as Armies are,
Whose Fame, before the Battail, ends the War.
Not spreading Files to cover spacious Ground,
Whilst many Drums beat loud, and Trumpets sound;
Whilst many feigned Ensignes all the day
Their glorious Colours to the Foe display;
Yet basely cautious, all at night lie close,
Arm'd and entrencht in a contracted Grose.
By perfect strength as certainly secures
The aimes of Pow'r as what she does possess;
And Empire ever must intend increase:
Empire, the Tyde of restless Greatnesses,
Shov'd on at Land as Rivers are from Seas;
Which at no mark can any moment stay,
But when it cannot rise must ebb away.
And as your judgment can so greatly do,
Preserve possession and inlarge it too,
284
Without those shifts which weaker judgments need:
In its known forces safe, as Armies are,
Whose Fame, before the Battail, ends the War.
Not spreading Files to cover spacious Ground,
Whilst many Drums beat loud, and Trumpets sound;
Whilst many feigned Ensignes all the day
Their glorious Colours to the Foe display;
Yet basely cautious, all at night lie close,
Arm'd and entrencht in a contracted Grose.
Haste cannot make your judgment run astray,
Nor follow Pow'r, through shades, the nearest way.
You walk, though far about, through open Plaines,
Till Pow'r the high o'relooking Station gaines:
Whose lofty Top must often cloudy show;
For Hills, by staying Clouds, clear all below.
Nor follow Pow'r, through shades, the nearest way.
You walk, though far about, through open Plaines,
Till Pow'r the high o'relooking Station gaines:
Whose lofty Top must often cloudy show;
For Hills, by staying Clouds, clear all below.
Your Judgment with those Arts of Thrones is mov'd
Which whilst they heighten Pow'r, can make it lov'd:
When publick glories, and gay Triumphs ease
Strain'd Thought, and the diverted People please:
Who when they see Courts thoughtful, think they fear:
And such suspition Empire cannot bear.
'Tis ill when Subjects are by Pow'r dismay'd;
Worse, when they fear that Rulers are affraid.
Which whilst they heighten Pow'r, can make it lov'd:
When publick glories, and gay Triumphs ease
Strain'd Thought, and the diverted People please:
Who when they see Courts thoughtful, think they fear:
And such suspition Empire cannot bear.
'Tis ill when Subjects are by Pow'r dismay'd;
Worse, when they fear that Rulers are affraid.
Should prosp'rous Courts, to make them still appear
Solemn and serious, alwise Mourning wear?
As if by blacks they could the credit have,
To be believ'd misterious, stayd and grave?
Or secret and discreet by being sad?
VVhen Martial Courts are like the Papal clad,
Then let the conqu'ring Troops turn Clergy too,
Unarme, and preach subjection to the Foe:
Let ev'ry Subject the lov'd Drama shun,
(To which our pleasant Ancestors did run)
And growing serious, serve seven Years the State,
Be first their Prentice, then a Magistrate.
Solemn and serious, alwise Mourning wear?
As if by blacks they could the credit have,
To be believ'd misterious, stayd and grave?
Or secret and discreet by being sad?
VVhen Martial Courts are like the Papal clad,
Then let the conqu'ring Troops turn Clergy too,
Unarme, and preach subjection to the Foe:
Let ev'ry Subject the lov'd Drama shun,
(To which our pleasant Ancestors did run)
And growing serious, serve seven Years the State,
Be first their Prentice, then a Magistrate.
VVhat object can your Courage be, when shown,
To those who have a prowder of their own?
VVho the civility of Honour hate,
Because they fear it is effeminate?
They think, that sullen rudeness is a grace;
And Conquest is less brave then to deface:
And that deform'd Destructions are the fair
And well proportion'd Images of VVar:
They civil Government enough detest
Because 'tis by that Epithet exprest:
But with exceeding reason much abhor,
Those that command the strengths of civil Pow'r;
As Cannibals have cause to take it ill,
From Men who rescue those whom they would kill;
Men civil held when they forbid that Meat,
VVhich better Stomacks then themselves would eat.
To those who have a prowder of their own?
VVho the civility of Honour hate,
Because they fear it is effeminate?
They think, that sullen rudeness is a grace;
And Conquest is less brave then to deface:
And that deform'd Destructions are the fair
And well proportion'd Images of VVar:
They civil Government enough detest
Because 'tis by that Epithet exprest:
But with exceeding reason much abhor,
Those that command the strengths of civil Pow'r;
As Cannibals have cause to take it ill,
From Men who rescue those whom they would kill;
Men civil held when they forbid that Meat,
VVhich better Stomacks then themselves would eat.
All that by courage daring Rome or Greece
Have done, these have outdone by boyst'rousness:
Whose Rage durst break (breaking the Muses hearts)
The ancient League between all Arms and Arts.
The Muses Regents were in Greece and Rome:
In all the civil world they were at home.
No Chief could think his battail highly fought
Till won again by being higher wrought.
And here they us'd in Palaces to dwell
Till these rose up, and they and Empire fell.
These, who obscure confusion love, blinde chance,
And their great Guide, though blinder, Ignorance.
Have done, these have outdone by boyst'rousness:
285
The ancient League between all Arms and Arts.
The Muses Regents were in Greece and Rome:
In all the civil world they were at home.
No Chief could think his battail highly fought
Till won again by being higher wrought.
And here they us'd in Palaces to dwell
Till these rose up, and they and Empire fell.
These, who obscure confusion love, blinde chance,
And their great Guide, though blinder, Ignorance.
But since the most important Things (which are
Empire and Arts) require Heav'ns special care:
Because they still with difficulty grow,
And are, in progress to perfection slow:
Or else because both use to Spring and rise,
Where still their growth is watcht by Enemies:
Heav'n therefore hath the League and Union made,
Which strikes at all that either would invade.
The Muses must (where fate in Empires lies)
With Empire fall, as they with Empire rise.
Empire and Arts) require Heav'ns special care:
Because they still with difficulty grow,
And are, in progress to perfection slow:
Or else because both use to Spring and rise,
Where still their growth is watcht by Enemies:
Heav'n therefore hath the League and Union made,
Which strikes at all that either would invade.
The Muses must (where fate in Empires lies)
With Empire fall, as they with Empire rise.
That Courage which the vain for Valor take
(Who proudly danger seek for Glory's sake)
Is impudence; and what they rashly do,
Has no excuse, but that 'tis madness too.
Yet when confin'd, it reaches Valors name;
Which seeks fair Vertue and is met by Fame.
It weighs the cause ere it attempts the Fact;
And bravely dares forbear as well as act.
It would reclaim much rather then subdue;
And would the Chacers not the Chac'd pursue:
Would rather hide success then seek applause:
And though of strength secur'd, yet trusts the cause.
And all the aid of strength it measures too,
Not by the acts it did, or still can do;
But passively, by what it well endures:
This noble Valor is, and this is yours.
(Who proudly danger seek for Glory's sake)
Is impudence; and what they rashly do,
Has no excuse, but that 'tis madness too.
Yet when confin'd, it reaches Valors name;
Which seeks fair Vertue and is met by Fame.
It weighs the cause ere it attempts the Fact;
And bravely dares forbear as well as act.
It would reclaim much rather then subdue;
And would the Chacers not the Chac'd pursue:
Would rather hide success then seek applause:
And though of strength secur'd, yet trusts the cause.
And all the aid of strength it measures too,
Not by the acts it did, or still can do;
But passively, by what it well endures:
This noble Valor is, and this is yours.
And this the Foe, with praises, did esteem;
Raising your deeds when ruinous to them:
When Makroom chang'd the colour of her Flood,
And deeply blusht with staines of Rebels Blood:
When Corks prowd River did her flowing stay
And, frighted, gave the ebb of Makroom way:
VVhich from her Stream did pale, as Christal, flow,
But in her ebb, as red as Corral show.
And though designes, the seed of Action, may
In colder grounds of Courts for springing stay,
And lie conceal'd awhile, and often waite
The Seasons and fair weathers of the State,
Yet in the Fields of War, Chiefs sow in haste,
They quicken growth, and reap their Harvest fast:
So to your ready valour Fate did add,
More Wings then Fame after the Batail had.
When o're the Rivers Banks you seem'd to pass
At once to charge, to vanquish and to chace.
Your Foes brought Fear, but Fear lackt VVings for speed;
For though in former Fields she swiftly-fled
As Love advancing, or departing Light,
Yet now she stood, and they did stay to fight:
As if, by your ador'd Example taught,
They seem'd to feel that valor which you brought.
But great examples keep some excellence
VVhich others cannot take nor they dispence:
As secretly, Originals express,
Some touches, comings out, and boldnesses
VVhich Copies steal but by a weaker hand,
And credit lose, when long they near them stand.
And though a while, to be compar'd they stay;
Yet soon they are disgrac'd and ta'ne away,
So all the Adverse Chiefs (whose hasty fate
Advanc'd their Troops, your deeds to imitate)
No longer held comparing but to yield:
They found your valor, and they lost the Field.
Raising your deeds when ruinous to them:
When Makroom chang'd the colour of her Flood,
And deeply blusht with staines of Rebels Blood:
When Corks prowd River did her flowing stay
And, frighted, gave the ebb of Makroom way:
VVhich from her Stream did pale, as Christal, flow,
But in her ebb, as red as Corral show.
And though designes, the seed of Action, may
In colder grounds of Courts for springing stay,
And lie conceal'd awhile, and often waite
The Seasons and fair weathers of the State,
Yet in the Fields of War, Chiefs sow in haste,
They quicken growth, and reap their Harvest fast:
So to your ready valour Fate did add,
More Wings then Fame after the Batail had.
When o're the Rivers Banks you seem'd to pass
At once to charge, to vanquish and to chace.
286
For though in former Fields she swiftly-fled
As Love advancing, or departing Light,
Yet now she stood, and they did stay to fight:
As if, by your ador'd Example taught,
They seem'd to feel that valor which you brought.
But great examples keep some excellence
VVhich others cannot take nor they dispence:
As secretly, Originals express,
Some touches, comings out, and boldnesses
VVhich Copies steal but by a weaker hand,
And credit lose, when long they near them stand.
And though a while, to be compar'd they stay;
Yet soon they are disgrac'd and ta'ne away,
So all the Adverse Chiefs (whose hasty fate
Advanc'd their Troops, your deeds to imitate)
No longer held comparing but to yield:
They found your valor, and they lost the Field.
VVhen Fame to watchful Rome your conquest brought
(For Fame still-hovr'd o're you when you fought)
The Conclave calmly did their VVrath disguise,
VVhose Pow'r by patience not by threats did rise:
But when they heard their Miter'd Chief did dy,
Punish'd with shame for shameful cruelty,
They blusht more at themselves then at his doome;
VVho reap'd in Ireland what they sow'd in Rome.
(For Fame still-hovr'd o're you when you fought)
The Conclave calmly did their VVrath disguise,
VVhose Pow'r by patience not by threats did rise:
But when they heard their Miter'd Chief did dy,
Punish'd with shame for shameful cruelty,
They blusht more at themselves then at his doome;
VVho reap'd in Ireland what they sow'd in Rome.
Now as our great Columbus honor sought
From what he left behind not what he brought:
From Gold and radiant Stones; which he did prize
Above his Drugs, or purple Die of Flies:
From Hoords which lay reserv'd that they might be
Rewards to crown his second industrie;
So I shall patiently expect my best
Renown from rich Reserves within your Breast:
VVhen next I shall Imbark with a full Gale,
Be evener ballasted and bear more Sayl;
VVhen all the Muses (pittying much to find,
At Helme my weakness in my late cross VVind)
Shall on my Decks like Mariners appear;
And strive to trim my Yards and help to steer.
From what he left behind not what he brought:
From Gold and radiant Stones; which he did prize
Above his Drugs, or purple Die of Flies:
From Hoords which lay reserv'd that they might be
Rewards to crown his second industrie;
So I shall patiently expect my best
Renown from rich Reserves within your Breast:
VVhen next I shall Imbark with a full Gale,
Be evener ballasted and bear more Sayl;
VVhen all the Muses (pittying much to find,
At Helme my weakness in my late cross VVind)
Shall on my Decks like Mariners appear;
And strive to trim my Yards and help to steer.
Yet as at last he wisely jealous grew
That some, (who well in his late Voyage knew
The Course he bore) might shortly ply the same,
And then like Rivals share his Hopes and Fame.
So I with juster avarice, may fear
Least others (watchful of the Course I steer)
May through ambition second my address,
Correct my Scheme, and Sayl, with more success.
And this may be a pardon'd jealousie,
Because it then looks out with Reasons Eye
VVhen just despaires by known defects are mov'd,
And merit cannot match the thing belov'd.
But there is right to first plantation due,
And by that Title I lay claime to you.
That some, (who well in his late Voyage knew
The Course he bore) might shortly ply the same,
And then like Rivals share his Hopes and Fame.
So I with juster avarice, may fear
Least others (watchful of the Course I steer)
May through ambition second my address,
Correct my Scheme, and Sayl, with more success.
And this may be a pardon'd jealousie,
Because it then looks out with Reasons Eye
VVhen just despaires by known defects are mov'd,
And merit cannot match the thing belov'd.
But there is right to first plantation due,
And by that Title I lay claime to you.
| The works of Sr William Davenant | |