Page:Gondibert, an heroick poem - William Davenant (1651).djvu/324

 But I will gravely tell thee (Reader) he who writes an Heroick POEM, leaves an Estate entayl'd; and he gives a greater Gift to Posteritie, than to the present Age; for a publick benefit is best measured in the number of Receivers; and our Contemporaries are but few, when reckon'd with those who shall succeed.

Nor could I sit idle, and sigh with such as mourn to hear the Drum; for if this Age be not quiet enough to be taught Virtue a pleasant way, the next may be at leisure: Nor could I (like men that have civilly slept, till they are old in dark Cities) think War a noveltie: For we have all heard, that Alexander walk'd after the Drum from Macedon into India; and I tell thee (Reader) he carry'd Homer in his Pocket; and that after Augustus, by many Battels had chang'd the Government of the world, he and Mecœnas often feasted very peaceably with Horace: And that the last wise Cardinal (whilst he was sending Armies abroad, and preparing against civil Invasion) took Virgil & Tasso aside under the Louvre