Abraham Cowley

“ A life as everlasting as their fame.
By these the valiant heroes take their place,
All who stern Death and perils did embrace
For Virtue's cause. Great Alexander there
Laughs at the earth's small empire, and does wear
A nobler crown than the whole world could give.
There did Horatius, Cocles, Sceva, live,
And valiant Decius, who now freely cease
From war, and purchase an eternal peace.
Next them, beneath a myrtle bow'r, where doves
And galless pigeons build their nests, all Love's
True faithful servants, with an am'rous kiss,
And soft embrace, enjoy their greediest wish. ”

“ Thus chiefest joys glide with the swiftest stream,
And all our greatest pleasure's but a dream.
This work was published before January 1, 1928, and is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago. ”