Classic Poem

Wilt thou prefume to form thy judgment right
Of Camels' strength from their impetuous steps?
Or is the dusky Night a proper time
To separate what's false from genuine coin?

By violent avaritious passion mov'd,
Art thou desirous of the melted Ore;
When the Sun's vapour falls on scorching sands,
Presenting gold and silver to thy view?

By the Divine permission do thy thoughts
In Error's maze recount thy former years?
But to old camels art thou well compar'd;
Glad to resemble those of tender age.


Thus the small Offspring of rebellious fires,
To th' Orphan state are totally reduc'd;
When Calves that traverse thro' the woods are safe,
And the young Goats from danger are secure.

Let Kings and Princes their diversion take!
The swiftest Hares and Foxes be their prey!
But as a valiant Horse-man in the field,
Fear not the bravest Heroes to persue.

Such as can boast of generous descent,
Scorn to destroy the beauteous female Herd.
Their principal Delight is to contend
With formidable Armies, great and small.

When these in battle fall a sacrifice,
The modest Nymphs instead of usual veil,
Appear in public view, without regard
To those who died by passion unrestrain'd.

But tho' precarious is the warrior's fate,
Yet still his bravery we must admire;
No toil, no dangerous fatigue he shuns;
And forms his horses for the same exploits.


Instruct the warrior, when his horses march
To an engagement with the enemy;
And one amongst his troop in narrow ways
Is so embarrass'd, that he can't retreat.

Tell him, an horse of noble, gen'rous breed,
Hardships, and cruelty, does not deserve.
But yet with such an one mildness is vain;
For in full speed he'll hasten to the field.

His presence such, that ev'ry lock of hair
In beauteous female's head, with ardent wish
Desires it could in wreaths and plaits be made
So strong, as fetters to command his feet.

So lovely, so admired, that even gold,
A metal of such metal and esteem,
For common iron would be glad to change,
And take the form of shoes to guard his soles.