Of Stars

We find that i’th’East Indies¹ stars there be,
Which we in our horizon ne’er did² see;
Yet we do take great pains in glasses clear
To see what stars do in the sky appear.
But yet the more we search, the less we know,                  5
Because we find our work doth endless grow.
For who knows, but those stars³ we see by night
Are suns which to some other worlds give light?
But could our outward senses pace the sky,
As well as can⁴ imaginations high,⁵                                     10
If we were there, we might as little⁶ know
As those which stay, and never up do⁷ go.
Then let no⁸ man in fruitless pains life spend:
The most we know is, Nature death will send.

1. that i’th’East Indies] in the East-Indies 1653
2. ne’re did] did nere 1653
3. knows, but those stars] doth know, but Stars 1653
4. well as can] our 1664, 1668
5. high,] thither fly, 1664; thither fly; 1668
6. we might as little] as little may we 1653
7. up do] do up 1653
8. no] not 1653