Classic Poem

Casimirus Lyric. Lib. 3. Ode 23.

'Tis not rich furniture and gems
With Cedar-roofes , and ancient stems ,
Nor yet a plenteous, lasting floud
Of gold , that makes man truly good .
Leave to Inquire in what faire fields
A River runs which much gold yeelds,
Vertue alone is the rich prize
Can purchase stars , and buy the skies .
Let others build with Adamant ,
Or pillars of carv'd Marble plant,
Which rude and rough sometimes did dwell
Far under earth , and neer to hell .
But richer much (from death releast )
Shines in the fresh groves of the East
The Phaenix , or those fish that dwell
With silver'd scales in Hiddekel .
Let others with rare, various Pearls
Their garments dresse, and in forc'd Curls
Bind up their locks , look big and high ,
And shine in robes of Scarlet-die .
But in my thoughts more glorious far
Those native stars , and speckles are
Which birds wear, or the spots which wee
In Leopards dispersed see.
The harmless sheep with her warm fleece
Cloathes man , but who his dark heart sees
Shall find a Wolfe or Fox within
That kills the Castor for his skin .
Vertue alone, and nought else can
A diffrence make 'twixt beasts and man ,
And on her wings above the Spheres
To the true light his spirit bears