Sonnet XCIV [Coelica]
The Augurs we of all the world admir'd
Flatter'd by Consulls, honour'd by the State,
Because the event of all that was desir'd
They seem'd to know, and keepe the books of Fate:
Yet though abroad they thus did boast their wit, 5
Alone among themselves they scornèd it.
Mankind that with his wit doth gild his heart
Strong in his Passions, but in Goodnesse weake,
Making great vices o're the lesse an Art,
Breeds wonder, and mouves Ignorance to speake, 10
Yet when his fame is to the highest borne,
We know enough to laugh his praise to scorne.
Lines on a King and Emperor-Making-King altered from the 93rd Sonnet of Fulke Greville, the friend of Sir Philip Sydney.
ll. 1-4 The augurs, &c.
l. 5 Abroad they thus did boast each other's wit.
l. 7 Behold yon Corsican with dropsied heart
l. 9 He wonder breeds, makes ignorance to speak
l. 12 Talleyrand will laugh his Creature's praise to scorn.
First published in the Courier, Sept. 12, 1806. See Editor's note, Athenæum, April 25, 1903, p. 531.