Classic Poem

LYRICAL, IN HIS SONNETS ;

TRAGICAL, IN ROSAMOND AND CLEOPATRA ;

HEROICAL, IN HIS CIVIL WARS .

Olympia's matchless son, whenas he knew
How many crowns his father's sword had gained,
With smoking sighs, and deep-fetched sobs did rue,
And his brave cheeks with scalding tears bedew;
Because that kingdoms now so few remained
By his victorious arms to be obtained.

So, learned Daniel, when as thou didst see,
That Spenser erst so far had spread his fame,
That he was monarch deemed of Poesy,
Thou didst, I guess, even burn with jealousy,
Lest laurel were not left enough to frame
A nest sufficient for thine endless name.

But as that pearl of Greece soon after passed
In wondrous conquests his renowned sire,
And others all, whose names by Fame are placed
In highest seat: so hath thy Muse surpassed
Spenser, and all that do with hot desire
To the thunder-scorning laurel-crown aspire.

And as his empire's linked force was known,
When each of those that did his kingdom share,
The mightiest kings in might did match alone;
So of thy skill the greatness thus is shown;
That each of those, great poets deemed are,
Who may in one kind with thee compare.

One shared out Greece, another Asia held,
And fertile Egypt to a third did fall;
But only Alexander all did wield.
So in soft pleasing lyrics some are skill'd,
In tragic some, some in heroical;
But thou alone art matchless in them all.

NON EQUIDEM INVIDEO, MIROR MAGIS .