12 DAVENANT'S POEM. 



where the Prince was going is described in an inflated style, 

 with extravagant laudation of Kupert, so that even the sun 

 is described as being absorbed in contemplating what the 

 Prince is supposed to have conquered : — 



. . . " The good old planet's business is 

 Of late only to visit what is his ; " 



while as to the government of the Prince, 



" Chronologers pronounce his style 

 The first true monarch of the golden isle ; 

 An isle so seated for predominance, 

 Where naval strength its power can so advance." 



The supposed riches of the country are next described, the 

 colonists employing themselves 



" In virgin mines, where shining gold they spy, 

 Some root up coral trees, where mermaids lie 

 Sighing beneath those precious boughs, and die." 



Some from " old oysters " rifle pearls, 



" Whose ponderous size sinks weaker divers ; 



Their weight would yoke a tender lady's neck." 

 Some 



" Search the rocks till each have found • 



A saphyr, ruby, and a diamond." 



The poem is a poor enough production in itself, but has 

 a certain interest as showing the extravagant notions then 

 entertained about the wealth of distant countries. But it 

 nevertheless met with great commendation from the poet's 

 contemporaries, Endymion Porter saying that it was a 



. . . " Poem in so sweet a style 

 As never yet was lauded in this isle." 



Another of the poet's friends, Sir John Suckling, Comptroller 

 of the Household to King Charles I., wrote a sonnet entitled, 

 " To my friend "Will Davenant, on his Poem of Madagascar," 

 which is perhaps amusing enough to be quoted in full, espe- 

 cially as he concludes by a sly hit at his friend for ha vino- 

 nothing but words to show in proof of the enormous wealth 

 he describes : — 



