To His Peculiar Friend, Sir Edward Fish, Knight Baronet

Since, for thy full deserts, with all the rest

Of these chaste spirits that are here possest

Of life eternal, time has made thee one

For growth in this my rich plantation,

Live here; but know 'twas virtue, and not chance,

That gave thee this so high inheritance.

Keep it for ever, grounded with the good,

Who hold fast here an endless livelihood.