8 THE DELIGHTS OF GARDENS 



The fairest garden in her looks, 

 And in her mind the wisest books. 

 Oh, who would change these soft, yet solid 



For i empty shows, and senseless noise ; 

 And all which rank ambition breeds, 

 Which seem such beauteous flowers, and are such 

 poisonous weeds ? 



When Epicurus to the world had taught 



That pleasure was the chiefest good, 

 (And was, perhaps, i' th' right, if rightly under- 

 stood), 



His life he to his doctrine brought, 

 And in a garden's shade that sovereign pleasure 



sought : 



Whoever a true epicure would be, 

 May there find cheap and virtuous luxury. 

 Vitellius' table, which did hold 

 As many creatures as the ark of old, 

 That fiscal table to which every day 

 All countries did a constant tribute pay, 

 Could nothing more delicious afford, 



Than nature's liberality 

 Help'd with a little art and industry 

 Allows the meanest gard'ner's board. 

 The wanton taste no fish or fowl can choose, 

 For which the grape or melon she would lose. 

 Though all th' inhabitants of sea and air 

 Be listed in the glutton's bill of fare, 



Yet still the fruits of earth we see 

 Plac'd the third story high in all her luxury. 



