Cancer

But glowing Cancer (where the Summer Sun

With fiery Chariots bounds the Torrid Zone,* 1.14

Drives fiercely up, then with a bending Rein

Sinks down, and runs in lower Rounds again.)

As close in's Shell he lies, affords his Aid

To greedy Merchants, and inclines to Trade:

His Births shall sail, through Seas and Dangers tost

To reap the Riches of a Foreign Coast.

What thrifty Nature hath but thinly sown

In Many Countries, they shall bring to One;

Intent on gain ne're heed the Poors complaint

But thrive on Scarcity, and live on Want:

For Wealth undaunted gather every Wind,

Out-sail good Fame, and leave Repute behind,

And when their greedy Hands have seiz'd the Store

Of this, search other Worlds, and seek for more.

Or else at home prove griping Vsurers,

Complaining at the slowness of the Years,

Wish swifter Suns, and set too vast a rate

On Time it self, to raise a quick Estate:

Their Bodies shall be Strong, inur'd to Pain,

Their Wits Contriving, and intent on gain:

-Manilius, translated by Thomas Creech