Page:Essays - Abraham Cowley (1886).djvu/56

 Though God himself, through countless ages, thee
 * His sole companion chose to be,
 * Thee, sacred Solitude alone;

Before the branchy head of numbers Three
 * Sprang from the trunk of One.

Thou (though men think thine an unactive part)
 * Dost break and tame th' unruly heart,
 * Which else would know no settled pace,

Making it move, well managed by thy art
 * With swiftness and with grace.

Thou the faint beams of Reason's scattered light
 * Dost like a burning glass unite;
 * Dost multiply the feeble heat,

And fortify the strength, till thou dost bright
 * And noble fires beget.

Whilst this hard truth I teach, methinks, I see
 * The monster London laugh at me;