Untrodden paths are then the best, Where the frequented are unsure; And he comes soonest to his rest, Whose journey has been most secure. It is content alone that makes 85 Our pilgrimage a pleasure here; And who buys sorrow cheapest, takes An ill commodity too dear. _Charles Cotton._ LXXXVIII _IN PRAISE OF HOPE._ Hope, of all ills that men endure The only cheap and universal cure! Thou captive’s freedom, and thou sick man’s health! Thou loser’s victory, and thou beggar’s wealth! Thou manna, which from heaven we eat, 5 To every taste a several meat! Thou strong retreat, thou sure entailed estate, Which nought has power to alienate! Thou pleasant, honest flatterer, for none Flatter unhappy men, but thou alone! 10 Hope, thou first-fruits of happiness! Thou gentle dawning of a bright success! Thou good preparative, without which our joy Does work too strong, and whilst it cures, destroy; Who out of fortune’s reach dost stand, 15 And art a blessing still in hand! Whilst thee, her earnest-money, we retain, We certain are to gain, Whether she her bargain break, or else fulfil; Thou only good, not worse for ending ill! 20 Brother of Faith, ’twixt whom and thee The joys of Heaven and earth divided be! Though Faith be heir, and have the fixed estate, Thy portion yet in moveables is great. Happiness itself’s all one 25 In thee, or in possession! Only the future’s thine, the present his! Thine’s the more hard and noble bliss; Best apprehender of our joys, which hast So long a reach, and yet canst hold so fast! 30 Hope, thou sad lover’s only friend! Thou way, that may’st dispute it with the end! For love, I fear, ’s a fruit that does delight The taste itself less than the smell and sight. Fruition more deceitful is 35 Than thou canst be, when thou dost miss; Men leave thee by obtaining, and straight flee Some other way again to thee: And that’s a pleasant country, without doubt, To which all soon return that travel out. 40 _Abraham Cowley._ LXXXIX _PROLOGUE._ TO THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD. SPOKEN BY MR. HART, AT THE ACTING OF ‘THE SILENT WOMAN.’