Here little David curbs the Gyant’s brood,
Small drops of Rain contend with Noah’s Flood;
One weighs a thousand coming down apace,
Weighs but himself when he hath run his race.
The Heavens admire, the Centre stands amaz’d,
To see such Streams by so small Forces rais’d.
Great is the Work, but greater is the Fame
Of that great Peer who did invent the same.
What Force or Strength can do is in his reach,
His long Experience, Cost and Charges, teach;
What Greeks, nor Romans e’re could do, this day,
Our Noble Britain here hath found the way.
If Ages past had bred you, we had seen
Your Glories current run a bigger stream;
But Art and Envy meeting face to face,
Like France and Spain, dispute who shall take place.
None but ignoble Minds love to detract
From th’ Honour due to such a noble Act:
On then, that after-ages may relate
Your Service done to Country, King and State.
And though that envious Spirits spit their gall,
Your noble Deeds are so well known to all,
As if their malice should take from your praise,
Your own deserts will crown your head with Bays.
By your Lordships
most humble and faithful Servant,
James Rollock.