What Infinites doſt thou purſue!
The Tangl'd Skeines of Nature how undo!
Pierce all her darkeſt Clouds, her Knots untye,
And leave her naked to the wandring Eye.
What Guſt of Knowledge blew thee off to Sea?
A deſp'rate Curioſity.
In Mountain-Waves, and raging Wind,
Tell us, what couldſt thou hope to find?
'Tis anſwer'd,—Theſe are Natures Schools,
To teach the Power of Art and Rules:
From hence what vaſt inſtructing things thou'ſt brought;
Beſides the Huge Remains not yet found out.
But of all Knowledge, this was ſure the beſt,
As 'tis the Pole-ſtar to the reſt.
How wing'd with Science, men might trace
The foaming Oceans rougheſt Face;
Plow the vaſt Furrows of th'amazing Deep,
With Eaſe and Safety ſail and ſleep.
No more th' uncertain Northern Tides ſhall fright,
Familiar Dangers leſſen to the Sight;
The Rocks and Sands, the threatning Shore,
Pledges of certain Death before.
Now Roads and Harbours found for help appear,
And ſhow the Follies of our ancient Fear;
Under their Weather Banks we calmly ride
Danger and Safety they divide.
Now they appear the Aids of Providence,
The Sailors Safety, and the Lands Defence.
Bold Science whither wilt thou ſtear,
