I

Lines written in his copy of Lucan.

As Macedo his Homer, I'll thee still,
Lucan, esteem as my most precious gem;
And, though my fortune second not my will,
That I may witness to the world the same,
Yet, if she would but smile even so on me,
My mind desires as his, and soars as hie.

II

On a leaf of Caesar's Commentaries

Though Caesar's paragon I cannot be,
Yet shall I soar in thoughts as high as he.

III

On his copy of Quintus Curtius.

A S Philip's noble son did still disdain
All but the dear applause of merited fame,
And nothing harboured in that lofty brain
But how to conquer an eternal name;
So, great attempts, heroic ventures, shall
Advance my fortune, or renown my fall.