Page:Madagascar, with other poems - Davenant (1638).djvu/31

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Madagascar.
9
So whilst our judgement keepes unmix'd, and pure,
Our Sidney's full-growne Fame will still endure:
Sidney, like whom these Champions strive to grace,
The silenc'd remnant of poore Orpheus race.
First those, whom mighty Numbers shall inspire;
Then those, whose easier art can touch his Lyre.
And they protect, those who with wealthier fare,
Old Zeuxis lucky Pensill imitate,
And those, who teach Lysippus Imag'rie;
Formes, that if once alive, would never die!
Which though no offices of life they taste,
Yet, like th'Elements (life's preservers) last!
An Art, that travailes much, deriv'd to us
From pregnant Rome, to Rome from Ephesus!
But whither am I fled? A Poets Song,
When love directs his praise, is ever long.
The Challenge was aloud; whilst ev'ry where
Men strive to shew their hopes; and hide their feare.
They now stood opposite, and neer: awhile
Their Eyes encounter'd, then in scorne they smile.
Each did disguise the fury of his heart,
By safe, and temp'rate exercise of Art.

Seem'd