Lives of the English Poets : Waller, Milton, Cowley by Samuel Johnson
page 57 of 225 (25%)
page 57 of 225 (25%)
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Amid these groues I walks oft for my health,
And to the fishes, birds, and beastes give heed, How they are fed, in forrest, spring and lake, And their contentment for ensample take. 12. Time was (for each one hath his doting time, These siluer locks were golden tresses than) That countrie life I hated as a crime, And from the forrests sweet contentment ran, To Memphis' stately pallace would I clime, And there became the mightie Caliphes man And though I but a simple gardner weare, Yet could I marke abuses, see and heare. 13. Entised on with hope of future gaine, I suffred long what did my soule displease; But when my youth was spent, my hope was vaine, I felt my native strength at last decrease; I gan my losse of lustie yeeres complaine, And wisht I had enjoy'd the countries peace; I bod the court farewell, and with content My later age here have I quiet spent. 14. While thus he spake, Erminia husht and still |
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