The Belides or Eulogie and elegie, of that truly honourable John Lord Harrington Baron of Exton, who was elevated hence the 27th of Febr. 1613. vvanting then tvvo moneths of 22. yeares old. By G.T.

A farewell to the Wars.

DIsloyall flesh and bloud, how has the Sun Both his direct, and oblique hitching course, Full often through the heavenly girdle run, Since our so plighted love, that nought could force, Or puzzle it; and dost thou now deceive me? Now at the Qu, the clinke of honour leave me?

Our Mars, in rust and darknesse lately shut, Yet now upon the glorious wings of Fame, Pitches his Tent; Our bravest spirits, put Now for the Goale of honour; to be lame And crasie now, while medalls, double payes, Victorious Belts, and Crowns, shall others rayse,

Is this the troth of friends? but then againe, What chimicall extraction, reach of Art, May limit nature? and with such a traine Of weaknings, does our age it selfe impart; Such Pal••ies, Cramps, Ciaticks, and Catars, It baffles action, wars even with the wars.

Submit we then, the Moon her empty lap Againe enlightens, and our Winter trees Have yet another rising of the sap; But man when once declining, by degrees, By peece-meale dru••ken, droop, and dwindle must, Till he be crumbled to his fatall dust.

The first tooth that he drawes, denounces him For past his best, and not a sinew strain'd, Or ligament, or humour out of trim, But so produces age; that lastly main'd In all his structure, warping in his tyes, And severall nailes, he druckens hence, and dyes.

Submit we then I say, the Corslet quitting, For a retir'd Sedentary course: Now not the Pike, the Pen is rather fitting; The feathers, not the ground; you brood of Mars On still & thrive, while thus the mouldering stayers Of age, advise and lead me to my prayers.

Notes

• This alludes to the French Proverbe, Quiter le plume pur dor∣••ir sur le dure.