Short Poems

Wit , learning, wisdom, valour, birth, we see,
In few these single , ALL conjoin'd in thee .

Death , meeting him arm'd with his sword and his shield,
Was afraid to engage this great man in the field:
But, as soon as his weapons were all laid aside,
Like a coward Death struck him, and then V ERE dy'd.

His case was unknown, his grief was hid,
He cried I die , and so he did .

Would 'st thou what's rare and unaccustom'd see,
There's nought so rare as long lif'd vilainy .

For beauteous prospects, woods, and princely bowers,
Sweet fields, fine palaces, and stately towers;
For many gardens, dress'd with curious care,
Our Thames with the fam'd Tiber may compare.

N OLA to them did give a bow ,
La Fleche an arrow bring,
But who upon them will bestow
(What they deserve) a string .

Carnations and lilies are hueless
When set by the face of my fair,
And fine-woven gold is but worthless
If weighed with the wealth of her hair;
Through arches of coral passes
Her laughter that banisheth care,
And flowers spring fresh 'mongst the grasses
Wherever her feet may fare.

( THE PANAMA TOLLS )

H E plead for honor and the country's good,
And craved " ungrudging measure " of support
The Sages gave approval as they could,
But left to History the ungrudging sort.

The scarlet cheek is a most pleasing dye ,
For so much colour so much modesty ;
And if she'd innocence to give delight,
It forms a very beauteous red and white ;
More lovely than all painting can impart,
One takes the eye , but t'other gains the heart .

S W eating and chafing hot Ardelio cryes
A Boat a Boat, else farewell all the prize.
But having once set foot upon the deep
Hot-spur Ardelio fell fast asleep.
So we, on fire with zealous discontent,
Call'd out a Parliament , a Parliament;
Which being obtain'd at last, what did they do?
Even squeez the Wool-packs, and lye snorting too.