tT QUID CELERIUS TEMPORE ? tT 



Another world was searched through oceans new. 



To find the marvel of Peru; 

 And yet these rarities might be allowed 



To man, that sovereign thing and proud, 

 Had he not dealt between the bark and tree, 



Forbidden mixtures there to see. 

 No plant now knew the stock from which it 

 came; 



He grafts upon the wild the tame, 

 That the uncertain and adulterate fruit 



Might put the palate in dispute. 

 His green seraglio has its eunuchs too, 



Lest any tyrant him outdo; 

 And in the cherry he does Nature vex, 



To procreate without a sex. 

 'Tis all enforced, the fountain and the grot, 



While the sweet fields do lie forgot, 

 Where willing Nature does to all dispense 



A wild and fragrant innocence; 

 And fauns and fairies do the meadows till 



More by their presence than their skill. 

 Their statues polished by some ancient hand, 



May to adorn the gardens stand; 

 But, howsoe'er the figures do excel, 



The Gods themselves with us do dwell. 



A. MARVELL. 



[in] 



