ORPHEUS

I Nquire from all antiquity, it's said That when Apollo's Son, (I Orpheus ) played Upon my Harp: the rivers if they swelled Above their banks or Torrents that rebelled; Grew smooth to hear my music: and forbore To vex the Channels, or molest the Shore. The Panther, Tiger, the wild Boar, the Bear, Forget their rage, to give me attentive ear, Lions with Lambs together couched in love, As dreadless by the Falcon perched the Dove: The Hounds their pursuit did leave off, and there Sat Heart, and Hare, close by them without fear: The sad predicting Raven, from the Oak (Hollowed with age) was not once herd to croak, Nor any Bird of harsh throat: only then The Nightingale, the Robin, and the Wren With all their musical choir, in silent groans, (Afraid to sing out) cherrupt to my Tones. The very Trees I did so much intrance, They shook their bows because they could not dance: But, Stones not rooted, but above the ground Moved in rare postures to my Harps sweet found: I the four blustering Brother's rage make calm, And'stead of violent gusts to breath soft balm. Yet there's and Harmony which does rejoice Men heart, more than the Jnstrument, or Voice; The Gittern, Harp, the Violent, and the Lute, When that is herd to found may all stand mute; Whose happy Symptoms more contentment brings Than any Consort, made by breatb or strings: And sends a sweeter rapture to the ears Than that above; made by orbicular Spheres. May it your grave Praetorian wisdom please, You are that Orpheus who can do all these: If any stream beyond its bounds shall swell, You bear the Trident that such rage can quell. When beasts of Rapine (trusting to their power) Would any of your harmless stocks devour: Yours is the sword that can such violence stay, To keep the Rich from rigour, Poor from prey; Neither from any harshall-boading beak, Least discord shall be herd, when you but speak; While in Harmonious choir the rest contend, Which in your praise each other shall transcend. Trees rooted in self-will, and (which seems strange) Even senseless stones you into life may change. This Wisdom can; yet there's a more Divine Concordancy, which far exceeds mine: That's of unanimous hearts; plenty, increase; With all Terrestrial blessings wait on peace: Which while maintained in your Commerce and Trade, Proves sweeter Music than ever Orpheus made.