John Milton

To Cyriack Skinner

CYRIACK, whose Grandsire on the Royal Bench
    Of Brittish Themis, with no mean applause
    Pronounc't and in his volumes taught our Lawes,
    Which others at their Barr so often wrench:
To day deep thoughts resolve with me to drench
    In mirth, that after no repenting drawes;
    Let Euclid rest and Archimedes pause,
    And what the Swede intend, and what the French.
To measure life, learn thou betimes, and know
    Toward solid good what leads the nearest way;
    For other things mild Heav'n a time ordains,
And disapproves that care, though wise in show,
    That with superfluous burden loads the day,
    And when God sends a cheerful hour, refrains.