Classic Poem

ODE VII

1

Loe where Hee comes; the Monarch of the Earth,
In Royall Scarlet Clad;
Such objects make me Sad;
Is this a Time for Glorie, or for Mirth?

2

With azure wings, and golden Diadem,
A thousand vassals waite
Upon his goodlie State;
And giddilie, the Rout his Shadowes hemme.

3

Who this Should be, the Judging Reader knowes;
Ah, sadlie I dare say,
Hee did attend this Day,
Upon the monster, if he bend his browes;

4

For in the front, of his Retinue Stands
Bold Ignorance, the first;
And ostentation, nurst
By the same brest, and swathed in the same bands.

5

These, misinforme the gaping multitude;
And Chatter out his Praise
To them, a thousand waies;
What Scepters he has won, what Lands Subdued;

6

For doubtles, great Hee is; though greater farre
Hee be in their report
Who limitt out his Court,
To the wide Gire, of Heavens still moveing Carre.

7

Let not their golden Sonnets Credit game,
In your Judicious Eyes;
Hee has in shamefull wise
Bene baffled oft; and may be soe againe.

8

A Shepheards Boy, who heard him proudlie boast,
Bearded the Monster late;
And triumpht in his Fate;
Whose lookes erewhile, had Cowed a mightie Hoast.

9

Yet Still he lives; for he can never Dye,
Till Time and motion Cease;
Till then, he shall increase
In all the Glories, of his Tirrannie.

10

A thousand, thousand Times, Hee has bene foyled;
And where he most doth raigne,
Hee formerlie was slaine;
By weaker hands, of a small Infant Child.

11

This, this is hee, of whom old Poets sung,
Who more then once, was slaine;
And still revived againe;
Nor could Hee dye, upon his mother flung.

12

There is an Art taught, where true Arts are taught;
(For tis not strength alone
Prevailes against his bone)
Will foyle him soone, and bring his strength to naught.

13

Then be not danted, my amazed Soule;
The Giant, (were Hee more
Then his owne vants) were poore,
To Cope with Boyes, instructed in this Schoole.

14

Thither, will I betake me; and there trye
What Sleights will most prevaile;
To make his Footing faile;
Till I be perfect in the Misterye.

15

Then muster up Collossus, to affright
Stupid, and retchles Men;
Who know, nor how, nor when,
Nor why, they yeild; their exercise, thy might;

16

And I will Sing away my Common Cares,
With everie Sand of Time;
Where Rapture shall Sublime
My new-borne Soule, in an immortall verse.