The Poetical Works of John Dryden, Vol II: Epilogue to 'The Indian Queen'

SPOKEN BY MONTEZUMA.

  You see what shifts we are enforced to try,
  To help out wit with some variety;
  Shows may be found that never yet were seen,
  'Tis hard to find such wit as ne'er has been:
  You have seen all that this old world can do,
  We therefore try the fortune of the new,
  And hope it is below your aim to hit
  At untaught nature with your practised wit:
  Our naked Indians, then, when wits appear,
  Would as soon choose to have the Spaniards here.                    10
  'Tis true, you have marks enough, the plot, the show,
  The poet's scenes, nay, more, the painter's too;
  If all this fail, considering the cost,
  'Tis a true voyage to the Indies lost:
  But if you smile on all, then these designs,
  Like the imperfect treasure of our minds,
  Will pass for current wheresoe'er they go,
  When to your bounteous hands their stamps they owe.

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