1 One of the Sirens.
2 From Chalcis, whence the Greek colonies of South Italy came.
The Fable of the Peasant and his Landlord.1
A Peasant to his lord yearly court,
Presenting pippins of so rich a sort
That he, displeased to have a part alone,
Removed the tree, that all might be his own.
The tree, too old to travel, though before
So fruitful, withered, and would yield no more.
The squire, perceiving all his labour void,
Cursed his own pains, so foolishly employed,
And "Oh," he cried, "that I had lived content
With tribute, small indeed, but kindly meant! 10
My avarice has expensive proved to me,
Has cost me both my pippins and my tree."
1 Added to the Elegies in the I673 edition.
2. POEMS IN VARIOUS METRES
On the Death of the Vice-Chancellor,
A Physician.1
Learn ye nations of the earth
The condition of your birth,
Now be taught your feeble state,
Know, that all must yield to Fate!
If the mournful Rover, Death,
Say but once-resign your breath-
Vainly of escape you dream,
You must pass the Stygian stream.
Could the stoutest overcome
Death's assault, and baffle Doom, 10
Hercules had both withstood
Undiseas'd by Nessus' blood.
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