Classic Poem

Harke how the birds doe sing, and marke then how
Jumpe with the modulation of their layes,
They lightly leape, and skip from bow to bow:
Yet doe the cranes deserve a greater praise
Which keepe such measure in their ayrie wayes,
As when they all in order ranked are,
They make a perfect forme triangular.

In the chief angle flyes the watchfull guide,
And all the followers their heads doe lay
On their foregoers backs, on eyther side;
But for the captaine hath no rest to stay,
His head forewearied with the windy way,
He back retires, and then the next behind,
As his lieutenaunt leads them through the wind.

But why relate I every singular?
Since all the World's great fortunes and affaires
Forward and backward rapt and whirled are
According to the musicke of the spheares:
And Chaunge herselfe her nimble feete upbeares
On a round slippery wheele that rowleth ay,
And turnes all States with her impervous sway.

Learne then to daunce, you that are Princes borne,
And lawfull lords of earthly creatures all;
Imitate them, and thereof take no scorne,
For this new art to them is naturall —
And imitate the stars coelestiall:
For when pale Death your vital twist shall sever,
Your better parts must daunce with them for ever.