Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1918.djvu/262

 BEN JONSON

In this bright Asterism, Where it were friendship's schism Were not his Lucius long with us to tarry To separate these twy Lights, the Dioscuri, And keep the one half from his Harry. But fate doth so alternate the design, Whilst that in Heav'n, this light on earth must shine

��And shine as you exalted are* Two names of friendship, but one star Of hearts the union, and those not by chance Made, or indenture, or leased out to advance The profits for a time. No pleasures vain did chime Of rimes or riots at your feasts, Orgies of drink or feign'd protests, But simple love of greatness and of good, That knits brave minds and manners more than blooc

��This made you first to know the Why You liked, then after, to apply That liking, and approach so one the t'other Till either grew a portion of the other: Each styled by his end The copy of his friend. You lived to be the great surnames And titles by which all made claims Unto the Virtue nothing perfect done But as a GARY or a MORI SON.

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