Old Blackfriars Bridge across the Thames in London (United Kingdom) depicted by William Marlow

And every day there passes by my side,

Up to its western reach, the London tide—

The spring tides of the term. My front looks down

On all the pride and business of the town;

My other fair and more majestic face

For ever gazes on itself below,

In the best mirror that the world can show.

Abraham Cowley, 1668