THE NOBLE NATURE But far beyond my depth: my high-blown pride Of a rude stream, that must forever hide me. Never to hope again. - From "HENRY VIII." 11 5 10 15 BEN JONSON ENGLAND, 1574-1637 The Noble Nature It is not growing like a tree In bulk doth make man better be; Or standing long an oak, three hundred year, A lily of a day Is fairer far in May, Although it fall and die that night, It was the plant and flower of Light. In small proportions we just beauties see, 5 10 JOHN MILTON ENGLAND, 1608-1674 Song on a May Morning Now the bright morning star, day's harbinger, Hail, bounteous May, that dost inspire 15 ISAAC WATTS ENGLAND, 1674-1748 O God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come, Before the hills in order stood, HISTORY OF JOHN GILPIN A thousand ages in Thy sight Short as the watch that ends the night Before the rising sun. Time, like an ever-rolling stream, Bears all its sons away; They fly forgotten, as a dream Dies at the opening day. O God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come, Be Thou our guard while troubles last, WILLIAM COWPER ENGLAND, 1731-1800 The Diverting History of John Gilpin John Gilpin was a citizen Of credit and renown, A trainband captain eke was he John Gilpin's spouse said to her dear, 13 5 10 15 20 "To-morrow is our wedding day, And we will then repair "My sister, and my sister's child, Myself, and children three, Will fill the chaise; so you must ride He soon replied, "I do admire And you are she, my dearest dear, “I am a linendraper bold, As all the world doth know, Quoth Mrs. Gilpin, "That's well said; We will be furnished with our own, John Gilpin kiss'd his loving wife; That, though on pleasure she was bent, 20 10 15 HISTORY OF JOHN GILPIN The morning came, the chaise was brought, To drive up to the door, lest all Should say that she was proud. So three doors off the chaise was stay'd, Six precious souls, and all agog To dash through thick and thin. 15 Smack went the whip, round went the wheels, Were never folks so glad, The stones did rattle underneath, As if Cheapside were mad. John Gilpin at his horse's side And up he got, in haste to ride, For saddletree scarce reach'd had he When, turning round his head, he saw So down he came; for loss of time, |