Classic Poem

Ladies that guild the glittering Noon,
And by Reflection mend his Ray,
Whose Beauty makes the sprightly Sun
To dance, as upon Easter-day;
What are you now the Queen's away?

Courageous Eagles, who have whet
Your Eyes upon Majestick Light,
And thence deriv'd such Martial heat,
That still your Looks maintain the Fight;
What are you since the King's Goodnight?

Cavalier-buds, whom Nature teems,
As a Reserve for England's Throne,
Spirits whose double edge redeems
The last Age, and adorns your own;
What are you now the Prince is gone?

As an obstructed Fountain's head
Cuts the Intail off from the Streams,
And Brooks are disinherited;
Honour and Beauty are mere Dreams,
Since Charles and Mary lost their Beams.

Criminal Valors! who commit
Your Gallantry, whose Poean brings
A Psalm of Mercy after it;
In this sad Solstice of the King's,
Your Victory hath mew'd her wings.

See how your Souldier wears his Cage
Of Iron, like the Captive Turk,
And as the Guerdon of his Rage!
See how your glimmering Peers do lurk,
Or at the best work Journey-work!

Thus 'tis a General Eclipse,
And the whole World is al-a-mort;
Only the House of Commons trips
The Stage in a Triumphant sort,
Now e'n John Lilburn take 'em for't.