Classic Poem

An inuocation of the water-nymph Thames, to well-intreol the land-nimph being in her power

T HAMES , while thou bearst vpon thy chrestall brest
My deerest mistresse, let no waue her wrong;
And let thy banckes with swanny-ranckes be drest
To chaunt her praises as she glides along.
Though thou hast queenes oft solac'd on thy streame,
Yet were they farre lesse great then she is good;
Then be as proud of her as all of them
Sith goodnesse more then greatnesse fames a flud:
Then if perfection euer made thee proud,
Now be thou proud, for now it is in thee;
Yet when rough windes do fanne thy face too lowd
Swell not in pride, but to her humble bee:
Sith when thou hast her, then doth water hold
More worth then all the land, though all were gold.