The Almanac Maker

While others dwell on mean affairs, Their kings, their councils, and their wars, Philaster roves among the stars.

In melancholy silence he Travels alone and cannot see An equal for his company.

Not one of all the learned train Like him can manage Chrarles's wain Or motion of the moon explain.

He tells us when the sun will rise, Points out fair days, or clouded skies;— No matter if he sometimes lies.

An annual almanac to frame And publish with pretended name, Is all his labour, all his aim.

He every month has something new, Yet mostly deals in what is true Obliging all, and cheating few,

Our sister moon, the stars, the sun, In measur'd circles round him run; He knows their motions—every one.

The solar system at his will— To mortify such daring skill, The comets—they are rebels still. Advancing in its daily race He calculates the planets place, Nor can the moon elude his chace.

In dark eclipse when she would hide And be awhile the modest bride, He pulls her veil of crape aside.

EACH passing age most have its taste; The sun is in the centre plac'd, And fuel must supply his waste;

But how to find it he despairs, Nor will he leave his idle cares Or love to mind his own affairs.

He prophesies the sun's decay; And while he would his fate delay, New sorrows on his spirits prey.

So much upon his shoulders laid, He reads what Aristotle said; Then calls the comets to his aid,

The people of the lunar sphere As he can plainly make appear Are coming nearer year by year.

Though others often gaze in vain Not one of all the starry train Could ever puzzle his strong brain.

The ram, the twins, the shining goat, And Argo, in the skies a float, To him are things of little note;

And that which now adorns the bear, (I heard him say) the sailors star, Will be in time the Lord knows where.

Thus nature waiting at his call, His book, in vogue with great and small, Is sought, admir'd and read by all.

How happy thus on earth to stay, The planets keeping him in pay— And when 'tis time to post away, Old Saturn will a bait prepare, And hook him up from toil and care To make new calculations there.