The Hesperides & Noble Numbers/Hesperides/The Plaudit, or End of Life

225. THE PLAUDITE, OR END OF LIFE.

If, after rude and boisterous seas,
My wearied pinnace here finds ease;
If so it be I've gained the shore
With safety of a faithful oar;
If, having run my barque on ground,
Ye see the aged vessel crown'd:
What's to be done, but on the sands
Ye dance and sing and now clap hands?
The first act's doubtful, but we say
It is the last commends the play.