Poems and translations with the Sophy / written by the Honourable Sir John Denham, Knight of the Bath.

Sarpedon's Speech to Glaucus in the 12^th of Homer.

Thus to Glaucus spake

DIvine Sarpedon, since he did not find Others as great in Place, as great in Mind. Above the rest, why is our Pomp, our Power? Our flocks, our herds, and our possessions more? Why all the Tributes Land and Sea affords Heap'd in great Chargers, load our sumptuous boards? Our chearful Guests carowse the sparkling tears Of the rich Grape, whilst Musick charms their ears. Why as we pass, do those on Xanthus shore, As Gods behold us, and as Gods adore? But that as well in danger, as degree, We stand the first; that when our Lycians see

Our brave examples, they admiring say, Behold our Gallant Leaders! These are They Deserve the Greatness; and un-envied stand: Since what they act, transcends what they com∣mand. Could the declining of this Fate (oh friend) Our Date to Immortality extend? Or if Death sought not them, who seek not Death, Would I advance? Or should my vainer breath With such a Glorious Folly thee inspire? But since with Fortune Nature doth conspire, Since Age, Disease, or some less noble End, Though not less certain, doth our days attend; Since 'tis decreed, and to this period lead, A thousand ways the noblest path we'll tread; And bravely on, till they, or we, or all, A common Sacrifice to Honour fall.