Classic Poem

W H en the unfetter'd Subjects of the Seas,
The Rivers, found their silver feet at ease,
No sooner summon'd, but they swiftly went
To meet the Ocean, at a Parliament:
Did not the petty Fountains say their King,
The Ocean , was no Ocean , but a Spring ?
As now some do the Power of Kings dispute,
And think it lesse, cause more is added to't.

Pale Ignorance , can the excesse of store
Make him seem poorer then he was before?
The Stars, the Heavens, inferiour Courtiers, may
Govern Nights Darknesse, but not rule the Day;
Where the Sun Lords it, should they all Combine
With Lucia in her brightest dresse, to shine,
Their light's but faint: Nor can he be subdu'd,
Although but one, and they a Multitude.

Say Subjects, are you Stars? be it allow'd,
You justly of your numbers may be proud,
But to the Sun inferiour; for know this,
Your Light is borrow'd, not your Own , but His :
And as all streams into the Ocean run,
You ought to pay your Contribution;
Then do not such Ingratitude oppresse,
To make him low, that could have made you lesse.