Short Poems

'For there's seven foresters in yon forest;
And them I want to see, see,
And them I want to see (and shoot down)!

Use thy Estate, as if thou'ldst dye to day,
Yet spare thy Estate as if thou'ldst live for ay.
He's truly wise who where he spend or spare,
Observes the mean, and do's extreams forbear

I will not though I may, shut heaven gates,
Nor do I care for Philip , or his threats.
If Earth and Sea his scepter do obey,
The way to Heaven's too narrow, hell's his way.

Jove , shut the gates of heav'n, for Philip sayes,
He'l enter it; since earth and sea obeys
His powerfull scepter, there is left no room
On earth for him, he must to heaven come.

Thou call'st me ignorant; 'tis true; but how
If I know more then Socrates did know?
He knew one thing, that he did nothing know;
I know two things, that I know nought, nor thou.

MOSQUE

Silence follows me as silence follows the dead,
not touching my ears
melting into them.

MARKET-PLACE

I am a tossing leaf of flame at noon.
Shadowless and pale,
I observe:
Life is a drying stream
watched by fishermen with anxious eyes.

Love is a Merchandize, and Venus drove
The first Monopoly; Rich only Love.
What cannot fortune hire alas for gold?
When Gods themselves for this are bought and sold?

When bloody Nero his own mother slew,
He did not hurt her face, or eyes, 'tis true;
But ripd her bowels up; 'twas justly done,
They'd guilt enough in breeding such a Son.

Blame not fair Galla that she'ld married be,
(Though she be fair) to one that could not see
For in that thing in which she took delight,
And which he lov'd, there is no need of sight.