I'm in a moment gone, Nor can I ever be alone:      All things on earth I imitate Faster than nature can create; Sometimes imperial robes I wear, Anon in beggar's rags appear; A giant now, and straight an elf, I'm every one, but ne'er myself; Ne'er sad I mourn, ne'er glad rejoice, I move my lips, but want a voice; I ne'er was born, nor e'er can die, Then, pr'ythee, tell me what am I? Most things by me do rise and fall, And, as I please, they're great and small; Invading foes without resistance, With ease I make to keep their distance:      Again, as I'm disposed, the foe Will come, though not a foot they go.      Both mountains, woods, and hills, and rocks And gamesome goats, and fleecy flocks, And lowing herds, and piping swains, Come dancing to me o'er the plains. The greatest whale that swims the sea Does instantly my power obey. In vain from me the sailor flies, The quickest ship I can surprise, And turn it as I have a mind, And move it against tide and wind. Nay, bring me here the tallest man, I'll squeeze him to a little span; Or bring a tender child, and pliant, You'll see me stretch him to a giant:      Nor shall they in the least complain, Because my magic gives no pain. 

  

  

       ON TIME     

      Ever eating, never cloying, All-devouring, all-destroying, Never finding full repast, Till I eat the world at last. 

  

  

       ON THE GALLOWS     

      There is a gate, we know full well, That stands 'twixt Heaven, and Earth, and Hell, Where many for a passage venture, Yet very few are fond to enter:      Although 'tis open night and day, They for that reason shun this way:      Both dukes and lords abhor its wood, They can't come near it for their blood. What other way they take to go, Another time I'll let you know. Yet commoners with greatest ease Can find an entrance when they please. The poorest hither march in state      (Or they can never pass the gate)      Like Roman generals triumphant, And then 

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