Anti-Achitophel (1682) - Three Verse Replies to Absalom and Achitophel by John Dryden by Elkanah Settle;Samuel Pordage
page 84 of 140 (60%)
page 84 of 140 (60%)
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Tho more he merits than best Verse can show:
Great in his Name, but greater in his Parts, Judgment sublim'd, with all its strong Deserts; A Sense above Occasions quick surprize, That he no Study needs to make him Wise, Or labour'd Thoughts, that trains of Sinews knit, His Judgment always twin'd unto his Wit; That from his clear Discussions Men may know He does to wonder other Brains out-do. Whilst they for Notions search they can't compact, His _Genius_ fitly stands prepar'd to act. Admir'd of Man, that in thy Sense alone So ready dost exalt high Reason's Throne; That Men abate Resentments to expect Thou mayst rise Greater, having past Neglect. A Sacred Method Kings receive from Heaven, That still does Cherish, when it has Forgiven; Which from our Princes Soul so largely flows, That Mercy's Channel with his Greatness goes. No Arbitrary Whispers him can guide To swell his Rule beyond its genuine Tide: Whilst other Kings their rugged Scepters see Eclips'd in his more soft Felicity; Whose Goodness can all Stress of State remove, So fitly own'd the Subjects Fear and Love. My Verse might here discharge its hasty Flight, } As Pencils that attempt Immortal Heighth } Droop in the Colours should convey its Light, } Did not this Poet's Lines upon me call For some Reflexions on a Lower Fall; |
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