University of Virginia Library

To the Author vpon his Ayres.

Henceforward that Philosopher shall gaine
Place in my faith, who truly did define
The Soule a Harmony, and vnawares,
But happily, did prophesie these Ayres.
And lying Greece with faithlesse Stories, shall
Let their hyperbolized Thracian fall
Into obliuion, and confesse that here
Is Melodie worthy Apollo's eare:
Which would not only moue the stones, and tame
Vnreasonable, but worse beasts, those Dames
Whose furie quarter'd him; and grant those Ayres
Lessons fit to be practis'd by the Spheares;
Which, had but Hermes plaid, with the same blow
Hee'd kill'd the Giant, and Iuno's anger too.
But we enioy, that which times past had not,
And what posteritie shall wonder at,
And æmulate the well disposed paines
Which could compose such various pleasing straines.
Now that meere needlesse Paradox must cease,
(Because 't is plaine) The Arts do still increase.
And thou (lou'd Friend) proceed, pursue thy Fame,
Draw still more happie enuie on thy Name.
Weigh not the nimbler Criticks censure, nor
(Which rather might beget aiuster feare)
The froward Cynicks; they shall see and know
Here's that will smooth the rigid'st Cato's brow:
And with more ease, than oyle doth water, throw
The blackest Melancholy downe below.
Lest which vnwelcom'd Guest on me should seaze,
I'll often visit Hiltons Fa, la, la's.