The Poetical Works of John Dryden, Volume 1 - With Life, Critical Dissertation, and Explanatory Notes by John Dryden
page 53 of 420 (12%)
page 53 of 420 (12%)
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His name is music of itself alone.
Now while the sacred oil anoints your head, And fragrant scents, begun from you, are spread 60 Through the large dome; the people's joyful sound, Sent back, is still preserved in hallow'd ground; Which in one blessing mix'd descends on you; As heighten'd spirits fall in richer dew. Not that our wishes do increase your store, Full of yourself, you can admit no more: We add not to your glory, but employ Our time, like angels, in expressing joy. Nor is it duty, or our hopes alone, Create that joy, but full fruition: 70 We know those blessings, which we must possess, And judge of future by past happiness. No promise can oblige a prince so much Still to be good, as long to have been such. A noble emulation heats your breast, And your own fame now robs you of your rest. Good actions still must be maintain'd with good, As bodies nourish'd with resembling food. You have already quench'd sedition's brand; And zeal, which burnt it, only warms the land. 80 The jealous sects, that dare not trust their cause So far from their own will as to the laws, You for their umpire and their synod take, And their appeal alone to Cæsar make. Kind Heaven so rare a temper did provide, That guilt, repenting, might in it confide. |
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