To the Memory of Mr. Oldham (by John Dryden)
To the Memory of Mr. Oldham
by John Dryden
published in Oldham's Remains in Verse and Prose, 1684
Farewell, too little and too lately known,
Whom I began to think and call my own;
For sure our souls were near ally'd; and thine
Cast in the same poetic mould with mine.
One common note on either lyre did strike,
And knaves and fools we both abhorr'd alike:
To the same goal did both our studies drive,
The last set out the soonest did arrive.
Thus Nisus fell upon the slippery place,
While his young friend perform'd and won the race.
O early ripe! to thy abundant store
What could advancing age have added more?
It might (what nature never gives the young)
Have taught the numbers of thy native tongue.
But satire needs not those, and wit will shine
Through the harsh cadence of a rugged line.
A noble error, and but seldom made,
When poets are by too much force betray'd.
Thy generous fruits, though gather'd ere their prime
Still show'd a quickness; and maturing time
But mellows what we write to the dull sweets of rhyme.
Once more, hail and farewell; farewell thou young,
But ah too short, Marcellus of our tongue;
Thy brows with ivy, and with laurels bound;
But fate and gloomy night encompass thee around.
Posted by Jesus Crisis at 6/8/2009 7:51 AM 
Categories: British, Writing, Dryden (John), 1600s
Tags: British Literature To the Memory of Mr. Oldham John Dryden British Poetry
Categories: British, Writing, Dryden (John), 1600s
Tags: British Literature To the Memory of Mr. Oldham John Dryden British Poetry
Well might as well comment here.. Since Facebook still is not operational for me.
Like this.. a nice testament to friendship..poetry..
I don't think I've read much of Dryden... I don't even recall running across any of his things in the library now that I think about it.
Anyway.....Thanks John.
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Thank you, Chris! I first discovered Dryden in a course taught by Ken Olcott at LCCC in the late 80s. Dryden was the most famed/respected poet, translator, literary figure of his time. It's sad to see him so neglected these days. I've been wanting to add him to the Library for some time - sad that I've waited this long. Most of my favorite works by him are very long - but I picked a short one to start. More will be coming soon.
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