Classic Poem

Go! hunt the whiter ermine, and present
His wealthy skin as this day's tribute sent
To my Endymion's love; though she be far
More gently smooth, more soft, than ermines are!

Go! climb that rock, and when thou there hast found
A star, contracted in a diamond,
Give it Endymion's love, whose glorious eyes
Darken the starry jewels of the skies!

Go! dive into the Southern Sea, and when
Th'ast found, to trouble the nice sight of men,
A swelling pearl, and such whose single worth
Boasts all the wonders which the seas bring forth,
Give it Endymion's love, whose ev'ry tear
Would more enrich the skilful jeweller.
How I command! how slowly they obey!
The churlish Tartar will not hunt today;
Nor will that lazy sallow Indian strive
To climb the rock, nor that dull Negro dive.
Thus poets, like to kings by trust deceived,
Give oftener what is heard of than received.