To Lady Carteret

BY DR. DELANY     I reach all things near me, and far off to boot,     Without stretching a finger, or stirring a foot;     I take them all in too, to add to your wonder,     Though many and various, and large and asunder,     Without jostling or crowding they pass side by side,     Through a wonderful wicket, not half an inch wide;     Then I lodge them at ease in a very large store,     Of no breadth or length, with a thousand things more.     All this I can do without witchcraft or charm,     Though sometimes they say, I bewitch and do harm;     Though cold, I inflame; and though quiet, invade:     And nothing can shield from my spell but a shade.     A thief that has robb'd you, or done you disgrace,     In magical mirror, I'll show you his face:     Nay, if you'll believe what the poets have said,     They'll tell you I kill, and can call back the dead.     Like conjurers safe in my circle I dwell;     I love to look black too, it heightens my spell;     Though my magic is mighty in every hue,     Who see all my power must see it in you.