John Dryden

Maintain your post: That's all the fame you need;
For 'tis impossible you should proceed.

Maintain your post: That's all the fame you need;
For 'tis impossible you should proceed.

As when the dove returning bore the mark
Of earth restored to the long labouring ark;
The read more

As when the dove returning bore the mark
Of earth restored to the long labouring ark;
The relics of mankind, secure at rest,
Open every window to receive the guest,
And the fair bearer of the message bless'd.

The monarch oak, the patriarch of the trees,
Shoots rising up, and spreads by slow degrees.
Three read more

The monarch oak, the patriarch of the trees,
Shoots rising up, and spreads by slow degrees.
Three centuries he grows, and three he stays
Supreme in state; and in three more decays.

Deserted, at his utmost need,
By those his former bounty fed;
On the bare earth exposed he read more

Deserted, at his utmost need,
By those his former bounty fed;
On the bare earth exposed he lies,
With not a friend to close his eyes.

All human things are subject to decay,
And when fate summons, monarchs must obey.

All human things are subject to decay,
And when fate summons, monarchs must obey.