Oh, could I flow like thee, and make thy stream

My great example, as it is my theme!

Though deep, yet clear; though gentle, yet not dull;

Strong without rage; without o'erflowing, full.

Sir John Denham (1615-1668): Cooper's Hill. Line 189.

Fools are my theme, let satire be my song.

Lord Byron 1788-1824: English Bards and Scotch Reviewers. Line 6.

The people's prayer, the glad diviner's theme,

The young men's vision, and the old men's dream!

John Dryden (1631-1701): Absalom and Achitophel. Part i. Line 238.

If on my theme I rightly think,

There are five reasons why men drink,—

Good wine, a friend, because I'm dry,

Or lest I should be by and by,

Or any other reason why.

John Sirmond (1589(?)-1649): Causae Bibendi.

Two truths are told,

As happy prologues to the swelling act

Of the imperial theme.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): Macbeth. Act i. Sc. 3.