{"id":468,"date":"2017-06-09T18:23:37","date_gmt":"2017-06-09T18:23:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/142.150.46.75\/poemsandfancies\/?p=468"},"modified":"2019-05-10T18:36:55","modified_gmt":"2019-05-10T18:36:55","slug":"nature-calls-a-counsel-etc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/library2.utm.utoronto.ca\/poemsandfancies\/?p=468","title":{"rendered":"Nature Calls a Counsel, which is Motion, Figure, Matter, and Life, to Advise about Making the World."},"content":{"rendered":"<\/span>1<\/sup><\/a><\/span>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Nature<\/span> first the world\u2019s foundation laid,<\/span>2<\/sup><\/a><\/span>
\n<\/span>She called a counsel how it might be made.<\/span>3<\/sup><\/a><\/span>
\n<\/span>Motion was first, who<\/span>4<\/sup><\/a><\/span> had a subtle wit,
\n<\/span>And then came Life, and Form, and Matter fit.
\n<\/span>First Nature spake:<\/span>5<\/sup><\/a><\/span> \u201cMy friends, if we agree, \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/span> 5
\n<\/span>We can and may do a fine work,\u201d said she,
\n<\/span>\u201cMake some things to adore us,<\/span>6<\/sup><\/a><\/span> worship give,
\n<\/span>Whereas now we but to<\/span>7<\/sup><\/a><\/span> ourselves do live.
\n<\/span>Besides, it is my nature things to make,
\n<\/span>To give out work, and<\/span>8<\/sup><\/a><\/span> you directions take. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a010
\n<\/span>Wherefore if you will pleasure have therein,<\/span>9<\/sup><\/a><\/span>
\n<\/span>You\u2019ll<\/span>10<\/sup><\/a><\/span> breed the Fates in housewif\u2019ry to spin,
\n<\/span>And make strong Destiny to take some<\/span>11<\/sup><\/a><\/span> pains,
\n<\/span>Lest she grow idle, let her<\/span>12<\/sup><\/a><\/span> link some chains.
\n<\/span>Inconstancy and Fortune turn a wheel, \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/span> 15
\n<\/span>Since both are<\/span>13<\/sup><\/a><\/span> wanton, cannot stand, but reel.
\n<\/span>And as for moisture, let it water give,<\/span>14<\/sup><\/a><\/span>
\n<\/span>Which heat suck up, to make things grow and live,<\/span>15<\/sup><\/a><\/span>
\n<\/span>And let sharp cold stay things that run about,
\n<\/span>And drought stop holes, to keep the water out. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a020
\n<\/span>Vacuum and darkness they will domineer
\n<\/span>If Motion\u2019s power make no<\/span>16<\/sup><\/a><\/span> light appear;
\n<\/span>Wherefore produce a light, the world to see,<\/span>17<\/sup><\/a><\/span>
\n<\/span>My only child from all eternity\u2014
\n<\/span>Beauty, my love, my joy and dear delight\u2014 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0 \u00a025
\n<\/span>Else darkness rude will cover her with spite.\u201d
\n<\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u201cAlas!\u201d said Motion, \u201call pains I can take<\/span>18<\/sup><\/a><\/span>
\nWill do no good, Matter a brain must<\/span>19<\/sup><\/a><\/span> make,
\n<\/span>And Figure<\/span>20<\/sup><\/a><\/span> draw a circle, round, and small,
\n<\/span>Where in the midst must stand a glassy ball, \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/span> 30
\n<\/span>Without convex, but inwardly<\/span>21<\/sup><\/a><\/span> concave,
\n<\/span>And in its middle<\/span>22<\/sup><\/a><\/span> a round small hole must have,
\n<\/span>That species may thorough pass, and Life<\/span>23<\/sup><\/a><\/span>
\n<\/span>May view all things as through a prospective.\u201d<\/span>24<\/sup><\/a><\/span>
\n<\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u201cAlas!\u201d said Life, \u201cwhatever we do make,\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 35
\nDeath, my great enemy, will from us take:
\n<\/span>And who can hinder his strong,<\/span>25<\/sup><\/a><\/span> mighty power?
\n<\/span>He with his cruelty doth<\/span>26<\/sup><\/a><\/span> all devour,
\n<\/span>And Time, his agent, brings<\/span>27<\/sup><\/a><\/span> all to decay:
\n<\/span>Thus neither Death nor Time will you obey. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a040
\n<\/span>He cares for none of your commands, nor will
\n<\/span>Obey your laws, but doth what likes him<\/span>28<\/sup><\/a><\/span> still.
\n<\/span>He knows his power far exceedeth ours,
\n<\/span>For whatsoe\u2019er we make, he soon devours.
\n<\/span>Let me advise you ne\u2019er to take<\/span>29<\/sup><\/a><\/span> such pains \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/span>45
\n<\/span>A world to make, since Death hath all the gains.\u201d
\n<\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Figure\u2019s opinion did agree with Life,
\n\u201cFor Death,\u201d said she, \u201cwill fill the world with strife.
\n<\/span>What Form soever I do turn into,
\n<\/span>Death finds me out: that Form he doth undo.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a050
\n<\/span>Then Motion spake: \u201cNone hath such cause as I
\n<\/span>For to complain, for Death makes Motion die.
\n<\/span>\u2019Tis best to let alone this work, I think.\u201d
\n<\/span>Says Matter, \u201cDeath corrupts, and makes me stink.\u201d
\n<\/span>Says Nature, \u201cI am of another mind: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/span> 55
\n<\/span>If we let Death alone, we soon shall find
\n<\/span>He wars will make, and raise a mighty power,
\n<\/span>If we divert him not, may us devour.
\n<\/span>He is ambitious, will in triumph sit,<\/span>30<\/sup><\/a><\/span>
\n<\/span>Envies my works, and seeks my State to get.<\/span>31<\/sup><\/a><\/span> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/span> 60
\n<\/span>And Fates, though they upon great Life attend,
\n<\/span>Yet fear they Death, and dare not him<\/span>32<\/sup><\/a><\/span> offend.
\n<\/span>Though two be true, and spin as Life them bids,
\n<\/span>The third is false, and cuts short the long threads.<\/span>33<\/sup><\/a><\/span>
\n<\/span>Let us agree, for fear we should do worse, \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/span> 65
\n<\/span>And make some work for to employ<\/span>34<\/sup><\/a><\/span> his force.\u201d
\n<\/span>Then all rose up: \u201cWe do submit,\u201d said<\/span>35<\/sup><\/a><\/span> they,
\n<\/span>\u201cAnd<\/span>36<\/sup><\/a><\/span> Nature\u2019s will in every thing obey.\u201d
\n<\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 First Matter she materials in did bring,<\/span>37<\/sup><\/a><\/span>
\nAnd Motion cut, and carved out every thing. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/span>70
\n<\/span>And Figure, she did draw the forms and plots,
\n<\/span>And Life divided all out into lots.
\n<\/span>And Nature, she surveyed, directed all,
\n<\/span>And with four elements<\/span>38<\/sup><\/a><\/span> built the world\u2019s ball.
\n<\/span>The solid earth she as foundation<\/span>39<\/sup><\/a><\/span> laid; \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/span>75
\n<\/span>The waters round about as walls were raised,<\/span>40<\/sup><\/a><\/span>
\n<\/span>Where every drop lay close, like<\/span>41<\/sup><\/a><\/span> stone or brick,
\n<\/span>Whose moisture like to<\/span>42<\/sup><\/a><\/span> mortar made them stick.
\n<\/span>Air, as the ceiling, keeps all close within,<\/span>43<\/sup><\/a><\/span>
\n<\/span>Lest some materials out of place might spring. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a080
\n<\/span>And presses down the seas, lest<\/span>44<\/sup><\/a><\/span> they should rise
\n<\/span>And<\/span>45<\/sup><\/a><\/span> overflow the Earth, and drown the skies.
\n<\/span>For as a roof is<\/span>46<\/sup><\/a><\/span> laid upon a wall,
\n<\/span>To keep it steady, that no side may<\/span>47<\/sup><\/a><\/span> fall,
\n<\/span>So Nature in that place air wisely stayed,<\/span>48<\/sup><\/a><\/span> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0 \u00a085
\n<\/span>And fire, like tile or slate, the highest laid<\/span>49<\/sup><\/a><\/span>
\n<\/span>To keep out rain, or wet, else it would rot:
\n<\/span>So<\/span>50<\/sup><\/a><\/span> would the world corrupt if fire were not.
\n<\/span>The planets, like as weather-fans, turn round;
\n<\/span>The sun a dial in the midst is found, \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a090
\n<\/span>Where he doth give so just account of time<\/span>51<\/sup><\/a><\/span>
\n<\/span>And<\/span>52<\/sup><\/a><\/span> measures all, though round, by even line.
\n<\/span>But when the Earth was made, and seed did sow,<\/span>53<\/sup><\/a><\/span>
\n<\/span>Plants on the Earth, and minerals down grow,<\/span>54<\/sup><\/a><\/span>
\n<\/span>Then creatures made, which Motion did give<\/span>55<\/sup><\/a><\/span> sense, 95
\n<\/span>Yet reason none to give<\/span>56<\/sup><\/a><\/span> intelligence.
\n<\/span>But Nature found, when she to make Man came,<\/span>57<\/sup><\/a><\/span>
\n<\/span>It was more difficult than worlds to frame;<\/span>58<\/sup><\/a><\/span>
\n<\/span>For she did strive to make him long to last,
\n<\/span>And so into eternity him<\/span>59<\/sup><\/a><\/span> cast. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/span> 100
\n<\/span>Who<\/span>60<\/sup><\/a><\/span> in no other place could be kept<\/span>61<\/sup><\/a><\/span> long,
\n<\/span>But in eternity, that castle strong.
\n<\/span>There she was sure that Death she could keep<\/span>62<\/sup><\/a><\/span> out,
\n<\/span>Although he is a warrior strong and stout.
\n<\/span>Man she would make, but not like other kind:<\/span>63<\/sup><\/a><\/span> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/span> 105
\n<\/span>Though not in body, like a God in mind.
\n<\/span>Then she did call her counsel once again,
\n<\/span>Told them the greatest work did<\/span>64<\/sup><\/a><\/span> yet remain.
\n<\/span>\u201cFor how,\u201d said she, \u201ccan we ourselves new make?<\/span>65<\/sup><\/a><\/span>
\n<\/span>Yet Man we must like to ourselves create,<\/span>66<\/sup><\/a><\/span> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/span> 110
\n<\/span>Or else he never can<\/span>67<\/sup><\/a><\/span> escape Death\u2019s snare;
\n<\/span>To make this work requires<\/span>68<\/sup><\/a><\/span> both skill and care.
\n<\/span>But I a mind will mix<\/span>69<\/sup><\/a><\/span> as I think fit,
\n<\/span>With knowledge, understanding, and with wit.
\n<\/span>And Motion, you your servants<\/span>70<\/sup><\/a><\/span> must employ, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0115
\n<\/span>Which Passions are, to wait still in the eye,
\n<\/span>To dress, and clothe this<\/span>71<\/sup><\/a><\/span> mind in fashions new,
\n<\/span>Which none knows better how to do<\/span>72<\/sup><\/a><\/span> you,
\n<\/span>That, though his body die,<\/span>73<\/sup><\/a><\/span> this mind shall<\/span>74<\/sup><\/a><\/span> live,
\n<\/span>And a free will we must unto it give. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/span> 120
\n<\/span>But Matter, you from Figure form must take,
\n<\/span>And Man from other creatures different<\/span>75<\/sup><\/a><\/span> make.
\n<\/span>For he shall upright go;<\/span>76<\/sup><\/a><\/span> the rest shall not.
\n<\/span>And Motion, you in him must tie a knot
\n<\/span>Of several motions, there to meet in one. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0125
\n<\/span>Thus Man like to himself shall be alone.
\n<\/span>You, Life, command the Fates a thread to spin,
\n<\/span>From which small thread the body shall begin.
\n<\/span>And while the thread doth last, not cut in twain,
\n<\/span>The body shall in motion still remain. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0130
\n<\/span>But when the thread is broke, he<\/span>77<\/sup><\/a><\/span> down shall fall,
\n<\/span>And for a time no motion have at all.
\n<\/span>But yet the mind shall live and never die;
\n<\/span>We\u2019ll raise the body too for company.
\n<\/span>Thus, like ourselves, we can<\/span>78<\/sup><\/a><\/span> make things to live \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/span>135
\n<\/span>Eternally, but no past times can give.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

  When Nature first the world\u2019s foundation laid, She called a counsel how it might be made. Motion was first, who had a subtle wit, And then came Life, and Form, and Matter fit. First Nature spake: \u201cMy friends, if we agree, \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 5 We can and may do a … Continue reading Nature Calls a Counsel, which is Motion, Figure, Matter, and Life, to Advise about Making the World.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[214],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-468","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-part1"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/library2.utm.utoronto.ca\/poemsandfancies\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/468","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/library2.utm.utoronto.ca\/poemsandfancies\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/library2.utm.utoronto.ca\/poemsandfancies\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/library2.utm.utoronto.ca\/poemsandfancies\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/library2.utm.utoronto.ca\/poemsandfancies\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=468"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/library2.utm.utoronto.ca\/poemsandfancies\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/468\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1122,"href":"https:\/\/library2.utm.utoronto.ca\/poemsandfancies\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/468\/revisions\/1122"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/library2.utm.utoronto.ca\/poemsandfancies\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=468"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/library2.utm.utoronto.ca\/poemsandfancies\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=468"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/library2.utm.utoronto.ca\/poemsandfancies\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=468"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}