University of Virginia Library

Somnium Dramaticum Synesii Iunioris, Cognomento Chirosophi.

The evil of the Day had tyred light,
Glad to fall into the darke armes of Night.
When Moses sacred Genesis had fed
My thoughts so full, that in my active Head
The waking Phant'sie wrought the holy Theame
Into the forme of a Dramatique Dreame.
Methought I saw fair Joseph, while they cry'd
Abrech before Him, in great honour ride;
The tender Father of the King proclam'd:
Zapnath-paaneah by great Pharo nam'd.
I took three sips of his Divining Cup,
Which heightned my Prophetique spirit up
To such a pitch, that I could soon unfold
All Secrets the Synesian Riddles hold.
The silver Goblet (upon Arts command)
Turn'd to refined Gold within his Hand;
The Scenes were with all properties endu'd,
Could heighten a Majestique Enterlude.
The Acts (rehears'd) might reconcile the Stage
To chasterears, and purifie the Age.
Things were so done; there did more lustre spring
From his rich Buskin, then from Pharo's Ring.
The Plaudit was so loud at every clause,
I wakened with the Eccho's of applause.
The Day return'd: upon my thoughts review,
I found my Dream, in your Translation, true.
So well perform'd: it will extend the Fame
Of reverend Grotius, and advance Your name.
Thus while with pious thoughts the learned strive
To infuse new life, Joseph is yet alive!
Increasing still for others, as of old,
'Twill be his fortune to be bought and sold.
But friend, I think 'twas the best chance of wit,
To finde a Patron for the Poem fit.
T'ignoble greatness for to prostitute
Thy Joseph, did not with thy honour suite.
Such who affect Effeminate extremes,
Would make him blush for to expound their Dreames.
Debauch'd and empty Lords, whose poppy heads
Now Levell-switcht, fall to their earthly beds.
But thou hast chose one, high, rich, learned, good,
With all the virtues of enobled blood.
Where worth doth over mens affections sway,
There will the sons of Art their Tribute pay.