The Churne, and Charwell, two small streames, which pained
Them selues her footing to direct aright,
Which fayled oft through faint and feeble plight:
But Thame was stronger, and of better stay;
Yet seem’d full aged by his outward sight,
With head all hoary, and his beard all gray,
Deawed with siluer drops, that trickled downe alway.
And eke he somewhat seem’d to stoupe afore xxvi
With bowed backe, by reason of the lode,
And auncient heauy burden, which he bore