The Common Fate of Books

¹

Books have the worst fate:² when they once are³ read,
They’re laid aside, forgotten like the dead.
Under a heap of dust they buried lie
Within a vault of some small library.
But spiders, which nature has taught to spin,⁴                      5
For th’love and honor of this art—since men⁵
Spin likewise all⁶ their writings from their⁷ brain,
Striving to make a lasting web of fame—⁸
Of cobwebs thin, high altars do they⁹ raise;
Their off’rings, flies, a sacrifice¹⁰ of praise.                         10

1. The Common Fate of Books] [This poem is untitled in 1653.]
2. Books have the worst fate:] THe worst Fate Books have, 1653
3. once are] are once 1653
4. which nature has taught to spin,] they, for honour of that Art 1653
5. For th’love and honor of this art—since men] Of Spinning, which by Nature they were taught; 1653
6. Spin likewise all] Since Men doe spin 1653
7. their] the 1653
8. Striving to make a lasting web of fame—] A lasting Web of Fame thereby to Gain, 1664; A lasting Web of Fame thereby to gain; 1668
9. Of cobwebs thin, high altars do they] They do high Altars of thin Cobwebs 1664, 1668
10. Their off’rings, flies, a sacrifice] There offer Flyes, as sacrifice 1653