Page:Essays - Abraham Cowley (1886).djvu/116

 Did its immortal head to heaven rear; It lasted a tall cedar till the flood; Now a small thorny shrub it does appear;
 * Nor will it thrive too everywhere:
 * It always here is freshest seen,
 * 'Tis only here an evergreen.
 * If through the strong and beauteous fence
 * Of temperance and innocence,

And wholesome labours and a quiet mind,
 * Any diseases passage find,
 * They must not think here to assail
 * A land unarmed, or without a guard;

They must fight for it, and dispute it hard,
 * Before they can prevail.
 * Scarce any plant is growing here

Which against death some weapon does not bear,
 * Let cities boast that they provide
 * For life the ornaments of pride;
 * But 'tis the country and the field
 * That furnish it with staff and shield.