The Grecian Story Being an Historical Poem, in Five Books. To which is Annex'd The Grove: Consisting of Divers Shorter Poems upon several Subjects. By J. H. [i.e. John Harington] |
 |
|
| I. |
|
|
| 1. |
| 2. |
| II. |
| III. |
| IV. |
| V. |
|
|
| I. |
| II. |
| III. |
|
| I. |
| II. |
|
|
 | The Grecian Story |  |
These Rural-Strifes, which Greeks did well regard,
Performed were, prize joyn'd for each, reward.
First Running prov'd; who, thinly cloath'd like Ayr,
Could formost touch the Post, adorn'd made fair.
With Ribbons, Flowers; that nimble way excell'd.
Next Wrestling was; who most to th' ground compell'd
By strength and Art; could braveli'st Foyl, o'rethrow
May Lady should keep either Prize, bestow;
Choice for that Year; like Princes rang'd in State:
Persons set by to Judge and Arbitrate.
Musick conjoyn'd; who, for their ear well-mounted
On Scaffold rais'd, was skilful thence accounted;
Could sweetly th' Harp, Pipe, Cithron, voice, command;
Bay-wreaths alone, took from their Lady's hand.
For close of all; whoe're in handsom Verse,
View'd on that Stage could well pronounce, reherse
Their great god Pan's their Love's, or Pastor's praises,
Those Poets style with Crown of Laurel graces.
The choicer Ground, large Theatre for these
Was Verdant Plain, whose sides by slow degrees
Increas'd to small, thin-planted Hills, from whom
Pure streaming Founts, like Daughters of their Womb,
Broke gently forth; not Born to th' world before;
Whilst Brooks beneath that Champain Wander'd o're.
Square Plot there was, with Palms inviron'd high,
All but Fore-parts that void for the Ear and Eye;
Plank'd Galleries conjoyn'd, their backs inclos'd;
Top like some Bow'r for Nimphs and Swains compos'd.
Performed were, prize joyn'd for each, reward.
First Running prov'd; who, thinly cloath'd like Ayr,
Could formost touch the Post, adorn'd made fair.
With Ribbons, Flowers; that nimble way excell'd.
Next Wrestling was; who most to th' ground compell'd
55
May Lady should keep either Prize, bestow;
Choice for that Year; like Princes rang'd in State:
Persons set by to Judge and Arbitrate.
Musick conjoyn'd; who, for their ear well-mounted
On Scaffold rais'd, was skilful thence accounted;
Could sweetly th' Harp, Pipe, Cithron, voice, command;
Bay-wreaths alone, took from their Lady's hand.
For close of all; whoe're in handsom Verse,
View'd on that Stage could well pronounce, reherse
Their great god Pan's their Love's, or Pastor's praises,
Those Poets style with Crown of Laurel graces.
The choicer Ground, large Theatre for these
Was Verdant Plain, whose sides by slow degrees
Increas'd to small, thin-planted Hills, from whom
Pure streaming Founts, like Daughters of their Womb,
Broke gently forth; not Born to th' world before;
Whilst Brooks beneath that Champain Wander'd o're.
Square Plot there was, with Palms inviron'd high,
All but Fore-parts that void for the Ear and Eye;
Plank'd Galleries conjoyn'd, their backs inclos'd;
Top like some Bow'r for Nimphs and Swains compos'd.
| The Grecian Story | |