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DRAYTON'S SONG OF SUSSEX. |
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So that the trembling Nymphs, opprest through gastly feare,
Ran madding to the Downes, with loose dishev'ld hayre.
The Syluans that about the neighbouring woods did dwell,
Both in the tufty Frith and in the mossy Fell,
Forsook their gloomy Bowres, and wandred farre abroad,
Expeld their quiet seats, and place of their abode,
When labouring carts they saw to hold their daily trade,
Where they in summer want to sport them in the shade.
Could we, say they, suppose that any would us cherish,
Which suffer (every day) the holiest things to perish ?
Or to our daily want to minister supply ?
These yron times breed none, that minde posteritie.
'Tis but in vaine to tell, what we before have been,
Or change of the world, that we in time have seen ;
When, not devising how to spend our wealth with waste,
We to the savage swine let fall our larding mast.
But now, alas, our selves we have not to sustaine,
Nor can our tops suffice to shield our Roots from raine.
loves Oke, the warlike Ash, veyn'd Elme, the softer Beech,
Short Hazell, Maple-plaine, light Aspe, the bending Wych,
Tough Holly, and smooth Birch, must altogether burne:
What should the Builder serve, supplies the Forgers turn ;
When under publike good, base private gaine takes holde,
And we poor woefull Woods, to ruine lastly solde.
This uttered they with griefe: and more they would have
spoke But that the envious Downes, int' open laughter broke; As ioying in those wants, which Nature then hath given, Sith to as great distresse the Forrests should be driven. Like him that long time hath another state envy'd, And fees a following Ebbe, unto his former Tide; The more he is deprest, and bruiz'd with fortunes might, The larger Reane his foe doth give to his despight: So did the envious Dowries; but that againe the Floods |
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