Page:Madagascar, with other poems - Davenant (1638).djvu/73

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And such low pride is safe: for though the BayLightning, nor Winds can blast, yet Envy may.If hidden still from thee, I should have lesseTo answer now, for glory, and excesse:My surfets had not reach'd the cunning yet,To seeke an expiation from their wit:For more than Village Ale, and drowsie Beere,(Cawdles, and Broth to the dull Islander)I nere had wish'd; now, My Man, hot, and dry,With fierce transcriptions of my Poesie;Cryes, Sir, I thirst! then strait I bid him chuse(As Poets Prentices did surely useOf Greece, and Rome) some cleere, cheap Brook; there stay,And drinke at Natures charge his thirst away:Though Fasts (more than are taught i'th Kalender)Had made him weake; this gave him strength to sweare;And urge, that after Horace the divineMæcenas knew, his Slaves drunke ever Wine:So whilst Endimion lives, hee vowes to pierceOld Gascoine Caske, or not transcribe a verse.If never knowne to thee, missing the skillHow to doe good, I should have found my ill

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