The longest tyranny that ever sway'd <br /> Was that wherein our ancestors betray'd <br /> Their free-born reason to the Stagirite, <br /> And made his torch their universal light. <br /> So truth, while only one supplied the state, <br /> Grew scarce, and dear, and yet sophisticate; <br /> Until 't was bought, like emp'ric wares, or charms, <br /> Hard words seal'd up with Aristotle's arms. <br /> Columbus was the first that shook his throne, <br /> And found a temp'rate in a torrid zone: <br /> The fev'rish air fann'd by a cooling breeze, <br /> The fruitful vales set round with shady trees; <br /> And guiltless men, who danc'd away their time, <br /> Fresh as their groves, and happy as their clime. <br /> Had we still paid that homage to a name, <br /> Which only God and Nature justly claim, <br /> The western seas had been our utmost bound, <br /> Where poets still might dream the sun was drown'd: <br /> And all the stars that shine in southern skies <br /> Had been admir'd by none but savage eyes. <br /> <br /> Among th' asserters of free reason's claim, <br /> Th' English are not the least in worth, or fame. <br /> The world to Bacon does not only owe <br /> Its present knowledge, but its future too. <br /> Gilbert shall live, till loadstones cease to draw, <br /> Or British fleets the boundless ocean awe. <br /> And noble Boyle, not less in nature seen, <br /> Than his great brother read in states and men. <br /> The circling streams, once thought but pools, of blood <br /> (Whether life's fuel or the body's food), <br /> From dark oblivion Harvey's name shall save; <br /> While Ent keeps all the honour that he gave. <br /> <br />...<br /><br />John Dryden<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/to-my-honor-d-friend-dr-charleton-excerpt/
