Here's an acre sown indeed Since the first man died for sin : Though gods they were, as men they died!' Here are sands, ignoble things, Dropt from the ruin'd sides of kings: Here's a world of pomp and state Buried in dust, once dead by fate. F. Beaumont LXVIII THE LAST CONQUEROR Victorious men of earth, no more Yet you, proud monarchs, must obey Devouring Famine, Plague, and War, More quaint and subtle ways to kill; 7. Shirley LXIX DEATH THE LEVELLER The glories of our blood and state Åre shadows, not substantial things; There is no armour against fate; Death lays his icy hand on kings: Sceptre and Crown Must tumble down, And in the dust be equal made Some men with swords may reap the field, They stoop to fate, And must give up their murmuring breath The garlands wither on your brow; See where the victor-victim bleeds: To the cold tomb; Only the actions of the just Smell sweet, and blossom in their dust. 7. Shirley LXX WHEN THE ASSAULT WAS INTENDED TO THE CITY Captain, or Colonel, or Knight in arms, Whose chance on these defenceless doors may seize, Guard them, and him within protect from harms. Went to the ground: and the repeated air To save the Athenian walls from ruin bare. J. Milton LXXI ON HIS BLINDNESS When I consider how my light is spent That murmur, soon replies; God doth not need J. Milton LXXII CHARACTER OF A HAPPY LIFE How happy is he born and taught Whose passions not his masters are, Who envies none that chance doth raise Who hath his life from rumours freed, Who God doth late and early pray -This man is freed from servile bands Sir H. Wotton LXXIII THE NOBLE NATURE It is not growing like a tree In bulk, doth make Man better be; Or standing long an oak, three hundred year, To fall a log at last, dry, bald, and sere : A lily of a day Is fairer far in May, Although it fall and die that nightIt was the plant and flower of Light. In small proportions we just beauties see; And in short measures life may perfect be. B. Jonson LXXIV THE GIFTS OF GOD When God at first made Man, Having a glass of blessings standing by ; Let us (said he) pour on him all we can : Let the world's riches, which disperséd lie, Contract into a span. So strength first made a way; Then beauty flow'd, then wisdom, honour, pleasure: When almost all was out, God made a stay, Perceiving that alone, of all his treasure, Rest in the bottom lay. For if I should (said he) Bestow this jewel also on my creature, Yet let him keep the rest, But keep them with repining restlessness : G. Herbert LXXV THE RETREAT Happy those early days, when I |