To Vetus an old Antiquary

Vetus upon a Manuscript doth pore,
Tiring himself in reading Hist'ry o'r;
What Noah eat before the floud, or how
Learning increas'd, is all his care to know:
Out of Troys ashes here he rakes a Storie,
Makes him admire its strength, & Priams glorie:
Tels you who Athens built, then talks of Rome,
How many Consuls she hath had, and whom;
The oldest books and writings him best please,
As many love to feed on mouldie cheese:
Thus he remembers things forgot, doth know
All that is past, but knows not what is now.
'Troth now 'tis time to know thy selfe; go die!
Converse with th'dead! here's none can make reply.