TO THE LORD TREASURER OXFORD <br />1710 <br /> <br />Atlas, we read in ancient song, <br />Was so exceeding tall and strong, <br />He bore the skies upon his back, <br />Just as the pedler does his pack; <br />But, as the pedler overpress'd <br />Unloads upon a stall to rest, <br />Or, when he can no longer stand <br />Desires a friend to lend a hand; <br />So Atlas, lest the ponderous spheres <br />Should sink, and fall about his ears, <br />Got Hercules to bear the pile, <br />That he might sit and rest awhile. <br />Yet Hercules was not so strong, <br />Nor could have borne it half so long. <br />Great statesmen are in this condition; <br />And Atlas is a politician, <br />A premier minister of state; <br />Alcides one of second rate. <br />Suppose then Atlas ne'er so wise; <br />Yet, when the weight of kingdoms lies <br />Too long upon his single shoulders, <br />Sink down he must, or find upholders.<br /><br />Jonathan Swift<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/atlas-or-the-minister-of-state/
