Parnassus biceps. Or Severall choice pieces of poetry, composed by the best wits that were in both the universities before their dissolution. With an epistle in the behalfe of those now doubly secluded and sequestred Members, by one who himselfe is none.

Ʋpon the same.

UNequall nature, that dost load, not pair Bodies with souls, to great for them to bear! As some put extracts (that for soules may passe, Still quickning where they are) in frailer glasse; Whose active generous spirits scorne to live By such weak means, and slight preservative: So high borne minds; whose dawnings like the day In torrid climes cast forth a full-noon ray; Whose vigorous brests inherit (throngd in one) A race of soules by long succession; And rise in their descents; in whom we see Entirely summ'd a new born ancestry: These soules of fire (whose eager thoughts alone Create a feaver or consumption) Orecharge their bodies: labring in the strife To serve so quick and more then mortall life. Where every contemplation doth oppresse Like fits of the Calenture, and kills no lesse. Goodnesse hath its extreams as well as sin, And brings, as vice, death and diseases in.

This was thy fate, great Stafford; thy fierce speed T'out-live thy years, to throng in every deed A masse of vertues; hence thy minutes swell Not to a long life, but long Chronicle. Great name (for that alone is left to be Calld great; and tis no small nobility To leave a name) when we deplore the fall Of thy brave Stem, and in thee of them all; Who dost this glory to thy race dispence, Not known to honour, t'end with innocence; Me thinks I see a spark from thy dead eye Cast beams on thy deceas'd Nobility. Witnesse those Marble heads, whom Westminster Adores (perhaps without a nose or eare) Are now twice raised from the dust, and seem New sculpt againe, when thou art plac'd by them; When thou, the last of that brave house deceast, Hadst none to cry (our brother) but the Priest: And this true riddle is to ages sent Stafford is his Fore-fathers monument.