Page:The Works of Abraham Cowley - volume 1 (ed. Aikin) (1806).djvu/219

When (see the subtle ways which Fate does find
Rebellious man to bind
Just to the work for which he is assign'd!)
The Muse came in more cheerful than before,
And bade me quarrel with her now no more:
"Lo! thy reward! look here, and see
"What I have made" (said she),
"My lover and belov'd, my Broghill, do for thee!
"Though thy own verse no lasting fame can give,
"Thou shalt at least in his for ever live.
"What criticks, the great Hectors now in wit,
"Who rant and challenge all men that have writ,
"Will dare t' oppose thee, when
"Broghill in thy defence has drawn his conquering pen?"
I rose, and bow'd my head,
And pardon ask'd for all that I had said:
Well satisfy'd and proud,
I straight resolv'd, and solemnly I vow'd,
That from her service now I ne'er would part;
So strongly large rewards work on a grateful heart!

Nothing so soon the drooping spirits can raise
As praises from the men whom all men praise :
'T is the best cordial, and which only those
Who have at home th' ingredients can compose;
A cordial that restores our fainting breath,
And keeps up life e'en after death!
The only danger is, lest it should be
Too strong a remedy;