Reflections that came from walking in the Maze at Hampton Court (1747 AD). What is this mighty labyrinth - the earth, But a wild maze the moment of our birth? Still as we life pursue the maze extends, Nor find we where each winding purlieu ends; Crooked and vague each step of life we tread, - Unseen the danger, we escape the dread! But with delight we through the labyrinth range, Confused we turn, and view each artful change - Bewildered, through each wild meander bend Our wandering steps, anxious to gain the end; Unknown and intricate, we still pursue A certain path, uncertain of the clue; Like hoodwinked fools, perplex'd we grope our way And during life's short course we blindly stray, Puzzled in mazes and perplex'd with fears; Unknown alike both heaven and earth appears. Till at the last, to banish our surprise, Grim death unbinds the napkin from our eyes. Then shall Gay's truth and wisdom stand confest, And Death will show us Life was but a jest. This one about the Cretan Labyrinth is from the book "Mazes and Labyrinths". Beware the dreadful Minotaur, that dwells within the Maze. The monster feasts on human gore, and bones of those he slays. Then softly through the Labyrinth creep, and rouse him not to strife; Take one short peep; prepare to leap, and run to save your life! A very old poem about the legendary hedge Maze Rosamond's Bower, part of "A Mournfull Dittie on the death of Rosamond, King Henry the seconds Concubine", by Thomas Deloney (1543?-1600) Yea, Rosamond, Fair Rosamond, Her name was called so, To whom dame Elinor our Queene Was known a deadly foe, The King therefore for her defense Against the furious Queene At Woodstock builded such a Bower The like was never seen. Most curiously that Bower was built Of stone and timber strong, An hundred and fifty dores Did to this Bower belong, And they so cunningly contriv'd With turnings round about That none but with a clew of thread Could enter in or out.