ODE XLVI

1

I grovell Still; and cannot game
The orbe, I flutter at in vaine;
My Thought is narrow; and my Language weake
To give my Smaller Comprehensions plaine;
Something it is, I faine would speake;
But as my Fancies rise, they breake.

2

Wrapt in my native weed of Sin,
I cannot cast; but search within
The folds, and would a better raiment find;
Starved in the old mantle, now worne thin.
This beggars Coat dejects my mind,
In all Attempts I have designed.

3

Raggs doe not fitt a Court; nor can
Man, in this Motley, meerlie man
Stand, in the privie Chamber of his heart:
Where Knowledge keeps the doore; and Truth doth raigne
Empresse of all, and everie part
Bound to noe Rule, nor forme of Art.

4

When I (encouraged by Some
Waiters at large) would nearer come
To wonder, at the Glorie of her State;
I sneak'd abash'd into another Roome;
And like Court-gazers, I can prate
Of Something seen, but know not what.

5

Thus Silly man; I am content
To get a Sight; although I went
Never beyond the Threshold, of her Court.
Enough; I thought I saw her, in her Tent,
And guest the greatness of her Port,
By what some others did report.

6

But who can tell aright, her State?
Forbid to humane Eyes? Of late
I heard, one of her nearest Servants Say:
These bold Intruders, sate without the Gate
Ignorant gazers; and did Stay
For Almes, there given everie Day.

7

Then with the rest, why may not I
Talke, of gay Sights and braverie?
To make the world esteeme me wise, and brave?
But I am Conscious; and well-pleas'd to see
The greatest Priviledge I have,
An equall Man, an Earthborne Slave.