Page:The Bible of Nature, and Substance of Virtue.djvu/42

 Nor can the gods themselves prolong their date, Change Nature's law, or get reprieve from fate. E'en tombs grow old and waste, by years o'rethrown; Men's graves, before, but now become their own. Lastly, look round, view that vast tract of sky, In whose embrace our earth and waters lie, Whence all things rise, to which they all return. As some discourse, the same both womb and urn; 'Tis surely mortal all: for that which breeds, That which gives birth to other things, or feeds, Must lose some parts; and when those things do cease, It gets some new again, and must increase. But Phœbus gather'd up the scatter'd ray, And brought to heaven again the falling day: Such streams of rays from father Sun still rise, As cherish all with heat, and fill the skies. And fruitful Parent Earth doth justly bear The name of mother, since all rose from her. When both were young, when both in Nature's pride, A lusty bridegroom he, and she the bride. Then men content with the poor easy store That sun and earth bestow'd, they wish no more. Soft acorns were their first and chiefest food, And those red apples that adorn the wood, And make pale winter blush; such Nature bore More numerous then, beside a thousand more, Which all supplied poor man with ample store. When thirsty, then did purling streams invite To satisfy their eager appetite: As now in murmurs loud, the headlong floods Invite the thirsty creatures of the woods. Besides, by night they took their rest in caves, Where little streams roll on with silent waves, They bubble through the stones, and softly creep, As fearful to disturb the nymphs that sleep. Then to renew frail man's decaying race, Or mutual lust did prompt them to embrace. Then strong and swift they did the beasts pursue, Their arms were stones and clubs, and some they slew, And some they fled; from those they fear'd to fight They ran, and ow'd their safety to their flight.