Classic Poem

1

Spectators, make a Ring, that you may see
The fatal Battle which is like to be
Fought by two powr'ful Combatants: One's nam'd
Gallus , for Courage generally fam'd;
Yet not so valiant as he'ld have men think,
But has (what makes men Valiant) store of Chinck.

2

I'other is Capo call'd who doth supply
His want of Courage by his Policy:
By plotting and contriving he subsists,
And does with Brains what t'other would with Fists;
Works under-hand, and goes to undermine:
Both in their several wayes in Battle joyn.

3

Gallus doth strut, and clap his wings and crow,
While Capo laughs at that vain noise and show;
What the great Quarrel is, must not be known,
But is reserv'd till one be overthrown:
Both make great preparations for a Fight,
And he that Conquers, all believe has Right.

4

Capo has been well cram'd, and liv'd in State,
And was become a mighty Potentate;
Two Keys to open and to shut he bears,
And on his head a Triple Crown he wears;
And had a mind to Rule the World, as though
All men were govern'd by meer pomp and show.

5

Gallus repines at this; Must I (sayes he)
Wear but one Crown, while he droops under three?
His Keys may make a noise, and keep a stir
'Mong easie souls, but he has ne'r a Spur:
I'le spoil his Pageantry, and make him know,
That since he cannot Fight, he shall not Crow.

6

But now Germanus comes to interpose,
Thinking the Quarrel would prove dangerous;
And while those two do to Contention fall,
Their strife might prove the ruine of them all;
Both being so powerful, 'tis hardly known
Which side may prove most safe for him to own.

7

Mean time the Mahumetan Cook stands by,
With sharpned Cymiter, and watchful eye;
Let them fight on (sayes he) so both will be,
By their intestine War a feast for me:
This is my time to feed and thrive, when they
Contend so fiercely which shall be my prey.

8

This makes good Gelly, t'other's tender meat;
When both drop in one dish, who would not eat?
Their Quarrel is for Humour and Opinion,
But my design is Riches and Dominion;
While both to be Victorious do aspire,
I use their sparks to set the world on fire.

The CONCLUSION

When Peace and Plenty make men proud, and they
Aspire to Rule, whose part is to Obey:
When each man has a Heresie of's own,
And most pretend Religion, but use none:
When Laws are boldly broke, and Love that binds
Men more then Laws, is fled from peoples minds:
Then must destruction on that Nation come,
And Mahumet gives Laws to Christendome.