Saturday, November 24, 2012
Equality
Samuel Sheppard, The Loves of Amandus and Sophronia (London: Printed by G.D. for Iohn Hardestie, 1650), p. 70 (from Book II, Chap. IV):
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Though here on earth men differ, in the grave10 Thersites was the ugliest of the Greeks in the Trojan War, Nereus the handsomest.
There's no distinction; all alike they have.
Then must the Conqueror with the captive spred
On one bare earth, as in the common bed;
The all commanding Generall hath no span 5
Of ground allowd, more than a common man.
Folly with Wisedome hath an equall share,
The foul, and faire, to like dust changed are.
This is, of all mortality, the end:
Thersites now with Nereus dares contend; 10
And with Achilles he hath equall place,
That living, durst not look him in the face.
The servant with his Master, and the maid,
Stretch'd by her Mistress; both their heads are laid
Upon an equal pillow; subjects keep 15
Courts, with Kings equal, & as soft they sleep,
Lodging their heads upon a turfe of grasse,
As they on Marble, or on figur'd brasse.
