Page:Madagascar, with other poems - Davenant (1638).djvu/21

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Who on the Stage, though since they venter'd not,Yet on some Lord, or Lady, had their plotOf gaine, or favour: Ev'ry nimble jestThey spake of thine, b'ing th' entrance to a Feast,Or neerer whisper: Most thought fit to beSo farre concluded Wits, as they knew thee. But here the Stage thy limit was. Kings mayFind proud ambition humbled at the sea,Which bounds dominion: But the nobler flightOf Poesie, hath a supremer rightTo Empire, and extends her large commandWhere ere th'invading Sea assaults the land. Ev'n Madagascar (which so oft hath beenLike a proud Virgin tempted, yet still seenTh'Enemy Court the Wind for flight) doth lieA trophie now of thy Wits Victorie:Nor yet disdaines destruction to her state,Encompast with thy Laurell in her fate.
William Habington.

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