Page:Essays - Abraham Cowley (1886).djvu/56

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
54
COWLEY'S ESSAYS.

VIII.

Though God himself, through countless ages, thee

His sole companion chose to be,
Thee, sacred Solitude alone;
Before the branchy head of numbers Three
Sprang from the trunk of One.

IX.

Thou (though men think thine an unactive part)

Dost break and tame th' unruly heart,
Which else would know no settled pace,
Making it move, well managed by thy art
With swiftness and with grace.

X.

Thou the faint beams of Reason's scattered light

Dost like a burning glass unite;
Dost multiply the feeble heat,
And fortify the strength, till thou dost bright
And noble fires beget.

XI.

Whilst this hard truth I teach, methinks, I see

The monster London laugh at me;