And yet, as angels in some brighter dreams Call to the soul when man doth sleep, So some strange thoughts transcend our wonted themes, And into glory peep.
Then bless thy secret growth, nor catch At noise, but thrive unseen and dumb; Keep clean, be as fruit, earn life, and watch Till the white-wingd reapers come!
Men lived like fishes; the great ones devoured the small.3
Discourses on Government. Chap. ii. Sect. xviii.
Note 1. His father writes to him, Aug. 30, 1660: It is said that the University of Copenhagen brought their album unto you, desiring you to write something; and that you did scribere in albo these words. It is said that the first line is to be found in a patent granted in 1616 by Camden (Clarencieux).Notes and Queries, March 10, 1866. [back]
Note 2. He who has not a good memory should never take upon him the trade of lying.Montaigne: Book i. chap. ix. Of Liars. [back]