Page:Madagascar, with other poems - Davenant (1638).djvu/37

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
Madagascar.
15
Parts, and divisions were computed small,
When rated by his measure that had all:
And all was Adams when the world was new;
Then strait that all, succeeded to a few;
Whilst men were in their size, not number strong;
But since, each Couple is become a Throng:
Which is the cause wee busie ev'ry winde
(That studious Pilots in their compasse finde)
For Lands unknowne: where those who first doe come
Are not held strangers, but arrive at home:
Yet he that next shall make his visit there,
Is punish'd for a Spie and Wanderer:
Not that Man's nature is a verse from peace;
But all are wisely jealous of increase:
For Eaters grow so fast, that wee must drive
Our friends away to keepe our selves alive:
And Warr would be lesse needfull, if to die,
Had bin as pleasant as to multiplie.
Forgive mee Prince, that this aspiring flame
(First kindled as a light, to shew thy fame)
Consumes so fast, and is mis-spent so long,
Ere my chiefe Vision is become my Song,

Thy