221     Similizing the Sea to Meadowes, and Pastures, the Marriners to Shepheards, the Mast to a May-pole, Fishes to Beasts

^* Here the Ship is taken for a Horse.

The Waves like Ridges of Plow’d-land lies high,
Whereat the Ship doth stumble, downe doth lye.
But in a Calme, levell* as Meadowes seem,
And by its Saltnesse makes it look as green.

5     When Ships thereon a slow, soft pace they walke,

Then Mariners, as Shepheards sing, and talke.
Some whistle, and some on their Pipes do play,
Thus merrily will passe their time away.
And every Mast is like a May-pole high,

10   Round which they dance, though not so merrily,

As Shepheards do, when they their Lasses bring,
Whereon are Garlands tied with Silken string.
But on their Mast, instead of Garlands, hung
Huge Sailes, and Ropes to tye those Garlands on.

15   Instead of Lasses they do dance with Death,

And for their Musick they have Boreas Breath.
Instead of Wine, and Wassals, drink salt Teares,
And for their Meat they feed on nought but Feares.
For Flocks of Sheep great sholes oí Herrings swim,

20   As ravenous Wolves the Whales do feed on them.

As sportfull Kids skip over Hillocks green,
So dancing Dolphines on the Waves are seen.
The Porpoyse, like their watchfull Dog espies,
And gives them warning when great Windes will rise.

25   Instead of Barking, he his Head wil shew

Above the waters, where they rough do flow.
When showring Raines power downe, and Windes do blow:
Then fast Men run for Shelter to a Tree;
So Ships at Anchor lye upon the Sea.