Page:Essays - Abraham Cowley (1886).djvu/135

 We look on men, and wonder at such odds
 * 'Twixt things that were the same by birth;

We look on kings as giants of the earth, These giants are but pigmies to the gods.
 * The humblest bush and proudest oak

Are but of equal proof against the thunder-stroke. Beauty and strength, and wit, and wealth, and power
 * Have their short flourishing hour,
 * And love to see themselves, and smile,

And joy in their pre-eminence a while;
 * Even so in the same land,

Poor weeds, rich corn, gay flowers together stand; Alas, death mows down all with an impartial hand.

And all you men, whom greatness does so please,
 * Ye feast, I fear, like Damocles.
 * If you your eyes could upwards move,

(But you, I fear, think nothing is above) You would perceive by what a little thread