Page:Essays - Abraham Cowley (1886).djvu/148


 * Melted the maiden dread away,

Even in the secret scabbard where it lay.
 * The prudent Macedonian king,

To blow up towns, a golden mine did spring;
 * He broke through gates with this petar,

'Tis the gi'eat art of peace, the engine 'tis of war,
 * And fleets and armies follow it afar;

The ensign 'tis at land, and "tis the seaman's star.

Let all the world slave to this tyrant be, Creature to this disguisèd deity,
 * Yet it shall never conquer me.

A guard of virtues will not let it pass, And wisdom is a tower of stronger brass. The muses' laurel, round my temples spread, Does from this lightning's force secure my head,
 * Nor will I lift it up so high,
 * As in the violent meteor's way to lie.

Wealth for its power do we honour and adore? The things we hate, ill fate, and death, have more.