When, dearest Friend, thy verse doth re-inspire Love's pale decaying torch with brighter fire, Whilst everywhere thou dost dilate thy flame, And to the world spread thy Odelia's name, The justice of all ages must remit 5 To her the prize of beauty, thee of wit. Then, like some skilful artist, that to wonder[11:2] Framing some[11:3] piece, displeas'd, takes it asunder, Thou Beauty dost depose, her charms deny, And all the mystic chains of Love untie. 10 Thus thy diviner Muse a power 'bove Fate May boast, that can both make and uncreate. Next, thou call'st back to life that love-sick boy, To the kind-hearted nymphs less fair than coy, Who, by reflex beams burnt with vain desire, 15 Did, phoenix-like, in his own flames expire; But should he view his shadow drawn by thee, He with himself once more in love would be. Echo, (who though she words[11:4] pursue, her haste Can only overtake and stop the last,) 20 Shall her first speech and human voice[11:5] obtain, To sing thy softer numbers o'er again. Thus, into dying poetry, thy Muse Doth full perfection and new life infuse. Each line deserves a laurel, and thy praise 25 Asks not a garland, but a grove of bays; Nor can ours raise thy lasting trophies higher, Who only reach at merit to admire. But I must chide thee, friend: how canst thou be A patron, yet a foe to Poesy?[11:6] 30 For while thou dost this age to verse restore,} Thou dost deprive the next of owning more; }[11:7] And hast so far all future times surpass'd,[11:8] That none dare write: thus, being first and last, All their abortive Muses will suppress, 35 And Poetry, by this increase, grow less. ON MR. SHERBURNE'S TRANSLATION OF SENECA'S MEDEA, AND VINDICATION OF THE AUTHOR [1647-8].[12:1]