L I B RAFLY

OF THE

U N IVER5ITY

or ILLINOIS

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PIA DESIDERIA:

O R,

Divine AddreiTes^

In Three BOOKS. Illuftrated with XLVII. Copper-Plates.

1 '

Written in Latine by Herm. Hugo.

Engli[hed hj

EDM. ARWAKER, M.^

The Second Edition^ with Alter at iGns and Additions,

LONDON,

Printed by J.L. for Hexry Bonrvicke, at the Red-Lioft in St. PaitPs Church- Yard, MDCXC.

^^tUr^S II THE

PREFACE.

FROM my fir fi acquaintance with thisjiuthor^ which was as early as I was able to underhand him^ J found him fo pleafing and agreeable^ that I wifi'Pd he were taught to fpeah^ Englifh, that thofe who could not under fi and him in his own language might by that means partake of the [atisfa^ion and ^advantage /, at leafi^ received in my converfation with ^him. And finding that not any Ten had been employ'* d ^^ about the IVork^ (for Mr, Quarks only borronPd his ' ' Emblems, to prefix them to much inferiour fenfe) \ '^rather than it fhould remain undone^ and Juch an ex^ ^celtent piece of Devotion be lofl to thofe who wou^d yprifeitmof}^ the Religious Ladies of our Age: / ^refblv*dto engage in the attempt \ and the rather^ be^ ■iicaufe the Subjed was futableto my Calling, as a >Clergyman^a6 the Senfe was to my Fancy, as an hum^ ile Admirer 0/ Poetry, efpecially fuch as is Divine, ^ But on a more confederate perufal of the Book, in torder to a Tranflation, / found fome thing in it fWhich put a ft op to my proceeding^ that even my zeal ■^fo have done^ cou^d fcarce prevail with me to nnder^ ^jak§ the Work. Por my Author^ I found^ was a little i^too much a Poet^ and had infer ted fever al fictitious -fiories in his Poems ^ which did much Icffen their gravis "<ty^ and very ill become their Devotion \ and which^ Xindeed^ wou'*d take from them that pre^alency which ^they ought to have^ as ferious AddrelTes from the Soul to God, over the affeUions of all that ^d them. JSfit at lafi my inclination to the Wo/k'} ^^^^ A 2 m

The Preface,

Vie rcfolve rather wholly to omit thofe Ficlions whtr-e I rnet them^ than recede from my defign. And accor- dingly I have made it my hupnefs to leave them always OHt, only where 1 copPd think of an afpfite example out of the Scriptures^ I have iifed it injteadofthefiiii' tious one omitted. As in thefirfi Poem of the ftcond Book^ where the Author brings in Phaeton as an ex- ample of Mens dt firing Liberty in choofing^ tho"* their choice proves oftentimes their ridne ^ / have nfed the Prodigal Son^ as more f nit able in that defign^ and I am fure to the gravity of the Poem, Andfuch another alteration I have made in the fecond Poem of the third Booky where^ inflead of Cydippc'j being deceiv'^d by Acontius with an Apple ^l have mentioned EveV being fa deluded by the Serpent. And inftveral other places J have done the llke^ where thofe fabulons fiories came in my way^ 04 whoever has the curio fity to enquire^ may find^ by comparing the Englifh and the Latine. And in all this ^ I think^^ I have rather done my Au- thor a kindnefs than an injury. Bnt there is another thing for which fome of the Author's Friends m^y perhaps call me to an account •, that is, for omitting feveral hiflorical pajfages taken from the Legends of Saints and Martyrologies : And for this I muft re^ turn in my own behalf^ that it was not oat of any dif- regard to^ or prejudice againfi the Saints and holy Perfons of whom the account is given ^ nor that I fu- perfiitfoujly disbelieve their ft ories^ however fomt per- haps may wit ^4 too much fnperftition credit them ^ but the true reajuns of fny leaving out the mention of them were thefe : Firfl, becaufe I knew that great part of the Readers would be ft rangers to their Hiftories^ and

tnuft

UIUC ■'- ^

The Preface.

snufi confequemly he at a bfs in under ft anding the Poems. Secondly, hccaufe the trnth of the reUtms is not [o evident as to render them unqueftionable^ I thought them better left om^ efpec tally fince they areon^ /y bare recitals offuch f^^ffagesy withont any improve- ment of Fancy, or hickinejs of Thought upon them^ which conld not injure the Book, h being omitted^ whereod the inferting that part might prtjudice fome nice judgments again fi the whole ^nd^ which was my third reafon ./night he a hindrance to the Jmprejfion, Bnt however they j'nay cenfitre me for this, / hope they will not take it ill that J have left out the Satyri- cal part of the fecond Poem of thefirft Booky wherein the jinthor reflects on the Monks and Friars in their variety of Hubits^ and contefts about them ^ for in- deed I thought it fomething too nncharit^ihle to have any room in fo divine a Poem, And now I am apolo- gizing for omilTions, let me -not forget to acqnair.t the Reader that I have left out fome of the Author* s fen fe^ particidarly in the eighth Poem of the fecond Book., and in the ftcond Poem of the third Book- In tijefirft of which he recounts all the fever al forts of Perfumes he can think^of^ and in the Ir.tter makes along recital of the various ki'.ds of Flowers^ both which rather tire than ddight the Reader ^ and he mnft be unkind if he does not thanh^me for omitting them. But f^ill it may be objected agai?ift me^ that I have made bold with my At'.thor^ in varying from him, and fome- times adding to him •• "^Tis true^ I have done both j as in thethiid Poem of the fir ft Book^for inftance, where, infteadofmer:tioning Podalirius and Melam- pus, and the other Phxficians^ I have ftfed ten lines B 3 of

The Preface.

of my own ^ and in' the fifth Poem of the fame Eooh^ J have given an account of MarPs Creation fomething different from that in my Author (both which^ oi all the other variations and additions may be known to the Englijh Reader by their being printed in the Italick Charader.J But whether J have impair'^d the fen fe^ whether done for the better or the worfe^ I miifhjub' mit my felf to the judgment of the Learned^ whofe far don I mufl beg for whatever is amifs^ and parti- cularly if in any thing 1 have injured the worthy An* thor^ to whom I am willing to make all the reparation J am able, And^ifl have injur'^d him in other addi- tions^ J have done him a kindnefs in that ef the tenth Poem of the third Book, where he feems to apologize for Self-murther ; for what I have there added takes away all pojfibility of mi flaking him^ who I am confi- dent was too good a Chriflian to deftgn any thing of that kind^ and we find he fufficientlj condemn d all fnch attempts by this Vtrfe :

Oquoties qusefita fugce fuit anfa pudenda ! which I have rendred^

How oft woulM 1 attempt a fhameful flight ! where the Epithet he gives to ^[ght^proves that he had no good opinion of it. And this gives me the hint to fay fomething of his wijhing for death in the eighth Poem of the fame Book^ which is not any way meant in favour of Self -murther^ but a pious defire of the Soul to be freed from the captivity of the Body^ that it might enjoy its Saviour ^ which is no more than what St. Paul tells us of him felf ^ that he had a de- fire to be dilToked, and to be with Chrift. More might be y.r£d in behalf of my Author on this acconnty

but

The Preface.

ha that he needs no apology^ and I have enough to do to excufe myfelf^ for '*tis not improbable I flja/l be'ac^ CHs^d of an indecorum as to Chronology^ in the fourth Foem of the jirft Booh^ in bringing in the glorious Saint and Martyr King Charles /. with mr late Monarchy for examples of the misfortune that often- times attends the greateft and befl- of men ^ infiead of Menelaus and Dionyfius : bnt I defre the Reader to give me leave to inform him^ that I defign my Tran- flation to reprefent the Book^ai if now but fir ft written^ and where then could I produce 7nore apt examples of the infiahility of Fortune^ and the fnjferings of good men^ than thofe Princes were^ xohofe Vnhappinefsj like their -Excellencies^ had no parallel ^ I am fure Th^Y mnfi be more f hit able than Dionyfius, whofe tyranny made him unpitied in his mifery. And having told my Reader my defign^ 1 hope he will not blame me for changing the 7 th. of May (which I fuppofe xx>as my Author"* s Birth-da'^) to the 27th. of July (which woi my own^ and applying to myfelf all that part of the eighth Toem in the third Book'-, and theft I am confident I fjjall not be condemn d on any hand for that digre(fion in the fourteenth Boim of the fame Beo'i^ wherein I conceive the joyful reception of his facred Majefly King Charles the Firf^s Soul into Hraveit^ and the great fatisfaslion which his Son'^s Succtffion to the Crown brought to thofc Coskflid Spirits^ who beirg lovers of Right and Equity^ mnfl- be exceedingly pleased to have his undoubted Title take place^ for that they are affecied with feme tranfaEiions here be^ low^ is evident from our Saviour'^s wordsy That there is joy in Heaven among the Angels over fmners

that

The Preface.

that repent •, and why not then over the JhJI that are rewarded ?

I would not willingly tire my Reader with a long Preface^ and therefore flnll only add a word or two in behalf both of my Author avdmy felf, ^Tis true the Title-page in the Latin e declares him of the Society of Jefus, but his Bookjhews nothing'either of his Or- der, or particular Opinion in Religion^ but that he is an excellent Chrifiian in the main : and indeed he feems tome to have defignedly avoided all occa/ion of offence to his Readers of a different judgment -^ for iho^ tn the fourteenth Poem of the fir ft Book^he had a fair opportunity of mentioning Purgatory, he wholly declines it, and takes no not ice at all of fach aplace. And in the twelfth Poem of the third Book he fays nothing of Tranfubftantiation, tho'^ he had occafion to mention the Sacrament of the Eucharifi. And this particularly I thought neceffary to offer ^ left fome may thinl^Ihave mif-render^d him in thofe places^ which ^ if they confult himfelf^ they II fee I have had no occa- fion for it. Thus having made my excufe for fome things which I fear'^d might he carpt at, if I have any other faults^ J Jhall detain the Reader no longer^ but let him go on to find them.

ERRATA.

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T O

CO

(r)

TO THE

DESIRE

OF THE

Eternal Habitations,

JESUS CHRIST,

Whom the Angels defire to pry into.

Lordj thoti knoivefi all my dejire^ and m groaning is not hid from thee^ Plal. j ~ verf. 9.

BY no difcov'ry did I e'er impart The fecret fantings of my love-JickJrLtvct i Whofe clofe retejfes to no other eye But that ^r^^?^ Pow/s that fram'd them, open lie: He only views my thoughts in their undrefs, And His bright beams k^xch thro' their nakednefs : To Him each (ecret ligh, each filent groan, To him the bottom of my Soul is known.

B 2 Whe

(4)

Who Call his fenfet'another's ears convey, Unlefs himfelf his own defigns betray ? ' Yet, cou'd Difcovry gratifie my wifh, 'Concealment Ihoyld not Icng defer the BHfs .* But no relation can my wants relieve, Or limits to my bonndlefs wiilies giv^.

Racioel ^\s\\\h did her loft Sons deplore, But finding Tears in vain, fhe w^ept no more. Thus Fire emits, and then devours its Seeds, And on its Off-fpring the wild Parent feeds. Thus, when the Clouds have empty'd all their Rain, They drink up the exhaufted ftock again. And thus I beft receive the tears I flied. And turn the Streams back to their Fountain-head.

{GROAN, Then, what my Thoughts are , while I deeply^

Only to me, and him I love, is known j

What I deilgn in every filent VOiV,

Only my [elf, and my Beloved know ^

And my thick SIGHS ^ my ft ick Language prove,

Unknown to all but me and Him I love

How oft have I, with pions Fraud and Art, In a diflimbled look bely'd my heart ?

rUafftrc

(5)

Plenfure and Mirth without deludes the fight, While all within is Torment in the height.

No Faith in Tears, for Tears have learnt deceit.

No Faith in Smiles, unlefs your felf you'd cheat.

I weep^ the hafty World believes I'm fad ;

I Lutgh^ and they as fall: conclude me glad.

How little fhows my Face my Minds intent ?

I [mile when grievdy when p/eas'^d^ I nioil Ur/^eyit.

Not the Camelion changes more than thofe,

Whofe every wifh new Mafciuerades expofe '-, •

None knows my fecret GROANS, and VO IV S, and SIGHS,

None but wtf 7m7<?, and only 7w fuifice.

Heb. iv. 13.

Neither is there any Creature that is not ma- mfeji in his jigbt^ but all things are ^iaked and opened ro the eyes of him with )Vbom tve have to do.

B 3 SIGHS

(O

Wil7i 77iy omil have. J^eJv'^e? f/zcc- 271 f/i& 711^ hi-. Jja: ^^- fj-

T.^

(7)

SIGHS

OF THE

penitent ^ouU

BOOK theFirfi.

I.

fVifh my Soul have I defired thee in the nighty Ifa. xxvi. 9.

HOW clo my wAndring thoughts miftake their way, And in a Maze of darkfom Err(,r ftray ? Loft in vvhofe difmal Lab'rinth^ I conclude Th' %^gypian VUgue is in my Soul renewed. All cloudy, fearful, horrid 3 not one (park Of Day s a Night for Night it felf too dark. No ScythUn or CimmerUn Sky fb black, /Cikc*

Tho' Heav*ns bright Lamps thofe gloomy Shades for- Ev'n Hell^ where Night in lable Triumph dwells. Yields to the terror of my darker OHs :

B 4 For

( 8 y

For tho' no fav'ouring Star imparts its ligiit.

To banifh thence the tlrnkfahftamial Night :

Yet thereto much their piinifliment they fee!/

As will not let them be infc/ifible:

There the fad Shades bewail their want of Light j

And ev'n the dim Cimmerians fee 'tis Ni^kt,

And, when the Scjthians fix dark Moons have fpent,

Th'- expected Day returns fromvBanifliment

But I am to eternal Night confin'd, And what fhou'd guide me, is it felf llruck bhnd. There's not one ghmmering Bear/t that dares invade The fetled Horror of the gloomy Shade. Nor can I hope but that I Ml muft lliay, Since I perceive not how I lofe my way -, But love th' unhappy darknefs where I err. And Nights foul Shades, to Buys bright Lamp prefer. For Prides falfe light mifguides my wandringmind, And vain Ambition ftrikes my Judgment blind: Loves foft Enchantments my weak Heart entice j His /(^^///^ J/Vff/ delude my dazled Eyes. "When thefe black Images my thoughts poffcls. The darknefs and the horror ftill increafe. My Eyes have their fuccelTive Night and Day, And Heav'n allows Th^m an alternate fway : Oh \ that my SohI as happy were as Thej !

That

(9)

That ReafG^oiniiy might with TViii prefide< Whofe office 'tis the ftragling Mi?id to guide !

They more are grieve'd wlio cannot ufe their Sights Tlun they, who never yet enjoy 'd the Light s And he that in Nights fhades has loft his way. Salutes with greater joy th' approaching Day : But that's a Night too tedious to be born, Which never will admit the grateful Morn.

When the bright Sun returns to cheer our Eyes, We hafte, like Perfians^ to adore his Rife ; Thither cur early homage we addrefs, And.ftrive whofirft fhallhis kind Influence blc§. Thus oft, on high, I Heav'ns bright Orb furvey'd From Pole to Pole, and thus as oft have pray'd ; Shine, fhine, my Sun^ bright Object of my Song, Thou that haft left my watchful Eyes too long : Rife, rife, or half thy beautious Face difplay ! If that's too much, indulge me one fhort i?^> Yet, if that Blifs is too fublime foi- me, O let it be enough to 've rvljhid for Thee \

Bernard in Cant. Serm. 75.

The World ha.s its Nights^ and thofe mt afetv. Ala^ ! why do Ifaj its Nights 3 Jince it felf is almoft one con- tinual Night J md alwajs ovcrffre^d with Darknefs ?

11. OGody

(lo)

jihcily ^ mid 7712^ fciiItJ /zr^ 7iai: /iid./ro77t f/icc . TJal:6^q.^.

(.1)

11.

0 God^ thou knowefi my fimplkity , and my faults are not hid from thee^ Pfal. Ixix, 5.

IF thou our childifh FoUies canft not bte. Thou, who doft all things by wife Comfels^ott i Who can accepted, who can pardon'd be. Since none from Folly ^ none from Faults arc free? Nor fcapes, alas, the moft exalted mind This Poyfon, of fo fubtil, ftrange a kind : All whirl'd about by the fame giddy wind. Tis vain to hide our faults, we've all been fraii 5 Folly's our Birth-Right by a long Entail, Since our fii'ft Parents went themfelves aftray. And taught hs too to fool our Blifs away : They for an Affle all Mankind betray'd 5 Was e'er a more imprudent bargain made ? Nor Efan's Folly has its parallel, Who, Wretch ! devour'd his Birth-Right at a Meal.

Ev'n He,

Whom Sheb/Cs ^een for Wifdom did prefer, (Strange weaknefs / ) afted Folly ev'n with Her^

Which

ri2)

Wliich proves that /C/V^'s Gracious Sentence true, Who fays, that Foo/s are mm'rous^ Wife-men few. Nor was the prudent Jiiofess wifh in vain, When he of Mans deftru6lion did complain : '' O that unthinkmg Mortals wou'd be wiie, '' And place their End before their heedful eyes ! > " Then Sins fhort pleafures they wou'd foon defpife, " Nor yield, hke Wax, to ev ry Stam^ of Vice.

. Wou'd any but a ftrange beibtted Rout,

Th' Rxiftence of a God deny, or doubt ?

Tlyefe, that in fin they may uncheck'd go on,

Perfwade themlelves to a belief of iY^?;?^.

Our very Crimes t'improve our Fo/iy teiad.

And we*re infatuate^ e'er we dare offend ;

Nor does the growing frenzy here give o're.

But from this III runs headlong on to more :

We Cailles build in this inferiour Air,

As if to have Eternal Beings here:

But when unthought-of-D^^r/?fhall fnatch us hence>

We then iliall own the fond Improvidence,

With endlels and unprofitable toil

We ftrive t'enrich and beautifie the Soil ;

This Soil, which. we muft leave at laft behind

To thofe^r whom our pains were ne'er defign'd.

How does our toil refemble Childrens play, When they ere 61 an Edifice of Clay ? Hem idly bufie and imploy'd they are ? Here, fome bring Straw 3 there,- others Sticks prepare ; This loads his Cart with Dirt 5 thnt in a Shell Brings Water, that it may be tempered' well ; And in their work themfelves they fondly pride, While Age the chlldljh Fahrich^diOts deride : Soon our ^^r^Heav'n with contempt looks down, And with a breath our Babel-ToTvYs o'rethrown.

What ftrange defire o^Gems^ what thirft o^GoId, Thofe, drops of Rain congeal'd j that^ ripned Mold l Yet fhefe Co much mens nobler Souls debafe. That they their blifs in fuch mean trifles place. Ah ! foolifh Ign rants ! can your choice approve. No more exalted Objefts of your love. That all your time in their purluit you fpend. As {{Salvation did on them depend ? Heav n may be purchas'd at an eaiie rate ; But, oh ! how few bid any thing for That ! Unthinking Men I who Earth to Heav'n prefer. And fading Jeys to cndlefs Glory there ! The Crime of fuch an inconfidVate choice Ought not pretend to Pardon, ev'n in Boys 5

For

For They from Counters currant money knowi Almoft as fbon as they have learnt to go : But^<f» (ohfhame) prize counterfeit delights Before the Joys to which kind Heav'n invites.

Oh ! for fome Artift to retrieve their fenle, EVemore degrees of Folly they commence \

But by Heavns piercing Eye we|are difcry'd. Which does our fins with Follies Mantle hide. He's pleased to wink at Errors too in me, And feeing feems as tho' he did not fee. He knows I've but a flender flock of fVit, And want a Guardian too to manage it. Othen, fbme kind Pro/^^<^/c;;, Lord, ailign This Ide9t Soul! But 'twill be beft in Thine.

Chryfoft.

(IS)

Chryfoft. in Joann. Horn. 4.^

I'hey art no better than Fools j wjjo are e'ver^ as it ivercy dreaming of earthly things^ and of Jbart conti- nuance.

III. Hitie

(14)

f 7- 7111^ Irc^icS a7^c vc^xcP.TJnho. z

(I?)

III.

Have mtrcy upon mt^ 0 Lord, for I am fvcAk : 0 Lord J heal we, for mj Bonts art ^vtxedy Pfal. vi. 2.

SHall my juft grief be querulous, or mute. Full of Difiafe, of Phyfick^ deftitute ? I thought thy Love fo conftant heretofore. That J^oirs were needkfs to confirm me more : And can'ft thou now abfent, and (light my pain ? What fault of mine has caus'd this cold Dlfdain >

O befi: Phyfttian cf my love-f,ck^ Souly Whofe fight alone will make thy Patient whole 3 Thou who haft canid, canft thou forget my grief, \'\ hich only from its Author feeks relief?

Slooud they rehofe Art gave dfing Tame nerp hrenth • And refcu d their furvlving Names fror/i Death : They in -whofe fight no bald Bifeafe durfl flandy But trembling zaniOod at their leaft command -^ They who each Similes fo:^' rein Virtue k^ewy And to their ends cottd well affly them tQ9 :

C Shoud

(iS)

Shond they their skill In tedlom Confult try,

All^ all wond fail to eafe my mifery \

All their Prefcriptions -without Thine are vain^

Thine only f nit the nature of my Pain.

Thou who haft cans' d^ canft ^o\x forget my griefj

Which only from its Author feeks relief?

See ! my parch'd Tongue my inward heat declares, And my quick Vulfe proclaims inteftine Wars 3 While fo much Blood "s profufely fpent within, That not one drop can- in my Cheeks be feen : And the fame Pulfe that once gave brisk Alarms, Beats a dead Afar eh in my deje6led Arms : 2iiy DoBors figh^ and fhrugging take their leave. And me to Heav'n and a cold Grave heqpieath. While more than they the fatal (enfe I feel Of my lofi healthy and their fuccefslefs skilL

W'liat can the Patient hope, when ev n defpair Difcourages the loft Phyjlcians care 1 The fubtle Poyfon creeps through all my Veins, And in my Bones the fierce contagion reigns : My drooping Head flies to my Hands for aid. But by the feeble Props is foon betrayed : Now my laft breath is ready to expire, And I muft next to Death's dark Cell retire.

Vainly

('9)

\'^ainly I ftrive my other pains to teli,

Becaufe their number s unaccountable.

In this forlorn unpiry'd ftate I lie,

While he who can relieve me, lets me die.

My Face all changed, and out of knowledge grown,

Ev'n I anfi fcarce perfwaded 'tis my own.

My Eyes have fhrunk for fhelter to my Head,

And on my Cheek the Rofe hangs pale and dead.

No pow'r cou'd drive the fierce Difeafe away,

Kor force th' infulting Vi6lor from his prey.

My Bed I loath 5 nor can it ileep procure ;

My feftring Womds no Surgions hands endure*

(heart, My Womds— But oh ! that word has pierc*d my

The very mention does renew their fmart;

My Wounds gape wide, as they wou'd let in Death,

And make quick paiTage for my flitting breath :

Nor can they ev'n the lighted touch endure.

But dread the Hand that wou d attempt their Cure,

For, Lord, my TVouyds are from the Darts of Sin,

That rage and torture ray grievM Soul within :

Here an hydropick third o{ Riches reigns, ,

And their Prides fiatuous humor fwells my Veins ;

Next frantick Fajfioff plays th^ Tyrants part,

And Lcz-es o'er-fpreading Cancer gnaws my Heart

C 2 Oft'

(20)

Oft' to the leam'd I made my fuff rings known, Oft' try'd their skill, but found redrefs from none: Not all the virtue o^ Bethefdds Pool, Without thy help J could ever make me whole. Then to what healing Altar £hou d I flie. But that whofe frofirate ViUims never die ? To Thee, Health-giver to the fVorld, I kneel, Who moft canft pity what thy felf didft feel : There's no found part in all my tortur d Soul ; But, ifthoH Tvilt, Lord, thou canfi wake me whoU. See where, to cruel Thieves, a helplefs prey, Wounded and rob'd I'm left upon the way. O Good Samaritan ! my Heart revive With Wine ; my Wounds fome Balm ofGilead give. Tijen take me home, left if I here remain. My Toes return, and make thjfuccour vain, ■

Aug.

(2l)

Aug. dc Verb. Dom.Serm. 55. cap. 55.

The rvhole World, from Eafi to Weft, lies veryfick ; but to cure this very (ick World, there defcends an Omnipotent Phyfttian, fpho humbled himfdf even to the A^tm- ftion of amort d Body, as if he had gone into the Bed of the Difeafed.

C J IV. Look

(82)

Sc?^y Ui?id fcn^^iirc f/nc a/l 7ntr Sift .

y.t

(23)

IV.

Look upon my adverfity and mijery^ dndfor- give me aU my fin ^ Pfal. xxv. 17.

CAN all my Suff'rings no compafllon move, And wou'dil: thou yet perfwadc me thou doft Thas oft been faid, belie\^e it he that will ! ^^''^ • That thofc who Love, each orhei's torment feel. Canft thou behold my grief, and feek no way For my redrefs ? True Love brooks no dda}'. See what a fervile Toak^ my Neck fuftains, Whofe P?ame is more afflicting than its fains ! With any task my Soul wcu'd be con rent, But one whofc Scandal is a Punlfimerit, Had my afflictions any parallel, Taught by Exa?KpIe^ I {hou'd bear them ueK : And 'twou'd, amidft my woes, bring ibme relief. To have mireficpAciersto H-ipport the grief: For bravell Heroes eft' have felt the weight Of their injurious Step-dame For nine's hate. Thus OHT fam'd Martyr, ir, his MurdVers/^,?^, BcTfPdto a Rebel Ax Hi^ Sacred He^ 5

C 4 /r/?/7<?

(24)

Tf^hile His great Son, a Prince of high Renow/ty

The Heir of His bright Fathers Name and Crown j

InanohfcHre^ ignoble Banifhment,

T>id His own Fate, and Rebels Guilt fr event.

Sad inftances of Man s uncertain ftate !

Yet 'tis no Crime to be unfortunate :

But my bafe Slav ry is alone my blame.

And lefs to be bewail'd with tears, thm/hame j

And to a heavier fum my woes amount,

Since I muft place them to my own account.

Like captiv d Samffca I am driv'n about,

The drudge and fcorn of an infulting Rout.

Around I draw the heavy reft lefs Wheel^

And find mj endlefs task^ beginning fiill:

Within this Circle byftrange Magick^boundy

Im flill in motion, yet I gain no ground.

O ! that fome ufnal Labor were injoyn d, And not the Tyrant F/V^ enflav'd my mind! No weight of Chains cou'd grieve ray captive hands, Like the loath'd Drudg'ry of its bafe Commands \ By this a double mifery I contrail, Ev n I condemn the hated Ills I aB, Vet of my Chains Tm not fo weary grown. But that I flill am putting others on. For Sin has always this attending Curfe, To back the firfi TranfgreJJion with a worfe :

This

(25)

This to my ibiTOW, I too often find ! Yet no Experience warns my heedlefs mind. Thus Vice and Ftrtue do my Soul divide, Like a Ship toft between the f^tnd and TUe. Pleafptre^ the Bawd to Vice, here draws me in, There, Griefs its Fallffwr^ pulls me back from Sin : Yet Pleafure oft comes Conqueror from the Field, Whilft I to Vice, inglorious Homage yield. Tho' Grief does ftill with Vice in triumph ride, Placd, like a SUve by that great Conjurors fide. Thus Vice and Virtue have alternate fway, While I, wdth endlefs labour, Both obey : And to increafe my pains, as if too fmall. Thy heavy hand com.es in the rear of all, Aad with deep piercing ftrokes correfts me more, For what ivas puniih'd in it felf before. Thusgmlty Souls in Hell are fcourgd for Sin 3 Their never-ending Fains thus flill begin.

Canftthou, unkind I behold my wretched Fate J> Onft thou behold, and notCommiferate? Loo|c on, O fee if caullcfs I complain !

0 hold thy Hand, and mitigate my Pain \

Aug. in Pfal. xxxvi.

1 ff^ppofe the World is called a Mill , becaufe it is turn'd about on the Wheels of Time^ and grinds and crufhes thofe that moft admire it.

V. Remem"

(26)

']^tmml^crIl^Jccc/Li/icc, t/i.it l/ani /laJt jitaJc 7m .2/ -M^ i^'Aii/^ ii/iiJ 7vilt t/iiTti

(^/7//.7 771J 7 71 h-^ ^71 St i7i7ai77C^.I'irl^. 7J.iJ.

^— JP.7,S.

V- ■::p

(^7)

V.

Remember^ I hefeecb thee, that thou hafi made me as the CUy, and wilt thoH hrtTJg me into Dtiji again ? Job x. 9.

HA S Providence regard to things below ? Or does it (light what its not fleas" d to know ? That the great Author of this brittle Frame Forgets from what Original it came?

Ages, to Thee are hm as yefterday : And canfl thoff. Lord, forget thy humble Clay ? Formd with a touch, and quickened with a breath 5 In o»e Jhort moment made, <i;?^ doom'd to death. Jf thou h^fl this forgot^ receive hem me The firange relation of the Hiftory. fVhen this great Fahick^of the World was reared, A}idits Or/gV^/ Nothing di faff ear d. Then, in the clofe of the Sixth hufie day. Thou with a glance didfi the whole Werkfurvey^ And f leased with that fair frodu5l of thy PowV, JVou'dfi: cofy^t o'>er again in Miniature 5

ThcR

(28)

Then was with all the Art of Heav'n defign*d, The mortal Image oi^ immoptal Mind. Bleft: Bden was the place which gave him Birth, And as he lightly leapt from Mother Earth, Pleas'd Heav'n and Nature fmiling greet his rife. And bid him welcome into Paradife, Hard by a iilver Stream ^6. gently paft. Stealing its fecret Path along the Grafs s But foon its head-ftrong Waves more fiercely hurl'd. To view the New-born Mafter of the World : Thence in four ftrcams to diflant Regions ftray. And bear the wondrous Tidings wide away. Herefrom a Lump of deff {cable Earthy Had Man (the lefs, hnt Nobler World) his Btrth^ The Nobler, fince in his fmall Frame fve vierp At once the World and its Creator too.

But things of fine ft texture fir ^ dec ay ^ And Heavnf great Mafter- fiece is brittle Clay ^ Riiind by that ivhich does its wortb advance. And daflid to fiece s by the leaft mifchance.

This frail ^ this tranfitory thing am /, JVho only live, to learn the -way to die : So foon fhall Tate to its fir ft Matter turrty '

The curious Stru^ure of this living Vrn. Thus China- Veflels, ror ought with Art and Pain^ Are, mthout either, turnd to Dufl again.

Such

(29)

Such Is tJo mcertalnty of humane fiate, Sfich the deflruEihe hafte of necefarj Fate I

Why then, my God, does {\vift-pac d Time betray, What of it felf s fo fubjeft to decay ? All to the Grave^ their Centre^ freely bend, And thither^ preft with their own weight, defcend; Fate neseds not any hafty vi'Ience ufe, To force a motion, which unurg'd they chufe.

Did I the Stars more temper'd matter fhare^ Till they firft fell, I no decay fhou'd fear : Or cou'd I like th'unbody d Arjgels be, Like them, I'd triumph o'er Mortality. But /, like Infers ^ f^'^^f derive my Birth Trom fame Plebeian, futrifying Earth. Why did not Heav'n an Iron temper grant, Dr hew me from a Rock of Adamant ?

But how dare I with Heav'n cxpoftulate, Dr blame t4ie frailty of my mortal ftate? N^or ought proud Clay its Potter eer upbraid, >Jor fcorns he that weak Veflel which he has made.

Rupert, in Jerem. lib. i . cap. 4.

Dares the iwhapjy Clay hlafpheme the fingers of its Potter f How fo ! hecattfe the Potter contracltTig his fingers., and firikjf^g the Vcffel with his whole hofjd^ it is violmlf daf,?d to peceu

VI. I have

(?o)

I /mvjiJm?ic7,iv/iatshalllJc^ unlcr haStfhcni Jet me aS{n mai'^a^dmMcc

ZV'.

'. 7. 1>C.

JP. 3<i-

(30

Vf.

/ have finmd^ xvhut {hall I do unto thee^ 0 thou Preferver of M^n f Why hafi thou fet me as a Mark againfi thet ? Job vij.20.

''T^I S juft, nor will I longer hide my jfhame,

A But own my felf egregioufly to blame : My Sins to flich a mighty fumm amount, That hope of Pardon wou d inaeafe tli' account j And the black Cat'logue of their uhwip'd fcore, Calls for more Plagues than Vengeance has in ftorc,

I own it, Lord, nor juil Dijhonour fear \ Since piblic\ Pumfhrn^m I ought to bear. Here, at thy Feet, I humbly proftrate bow, And beg my Sentence from thy Mouth to know. Shall my own Hand thy dread Revenge fr event. And make my felf my own fad Monfim€r.t H Shall I with Gifts thy leaden Altar crown, Or facrifice the Beaft, my felf, thereon? ( Tho^ fare my Blood rvond that bleft fUce frofhane, Jftdgiv^ what it fh<iHd clemfe n fofiler fiaw. )

All

(30

Ail this, and more, ifpoflfibleto do, Wou'd fall far fhort to pay the Debt I owe. But thou art not fevere, nor hard to pleafe, Whom Blood and Slaughter only can appeafe : Thy Sword thy conciuerd Foe has often fpar'd. And thence the bell, the nobleft Trophies reared. No tyrant PafTion rages in thy Breaft, But the meek Dove builds there her peaceful Neft 5 Kind Guardian of the Woirld ! our Help, our Aid, To whom the \''ows of all mankind are made : Who when thou wou'dfl: thy height of anger £how, A fudden Calm unbends thy threatning brow j How kindly dod tiiou raife the proftrate Foe, With the fame hand that fhou'd have ftruck the blow ?

Wou dft thou permit— But oh ! what Eloquence Can with fuccefs appear in my defence ? Yet let mc. Lord, plead for myfelf^ and Thee^ Left ev'n thy Caufe^ as mine^ may injur'd be. Lord, I qonfefs Fve finnd^ but not dlone ; Wilt thou impute a common Guilt to One ? Thy bare-fac d Rebels ftill iinpunifh'd go, As if thoH mindedft nothing here below. Unplagu'd, /Ik^ other Men^ the brutiih Srp'ine^ iVallorv i'th' fowl excefs of Luft and Wine :

Yet

(??)

Vet doft thou flop thy Arrores on the firing,

Arrefl thy brandi/h^d Thnnder on the Wing 5

Sheath thy r^^ Sword, jufl lifted for the blow,

And in its room mild Olive-branches (how.

But evry [li^^ each inadvertencie.

Is magnify d to'injpfffrabte in me.

I am the Mark of evry wounding flroke.

As if I only did thy wrath provoke.

This I confefs^ All I, alas! can do:

O hear my Pray V, with my Confeffion too !

Accept the good Effeds of an ill Caufc,

And Pardon Sin, that gains thee mo ft- apflaufe,

" Forgive me, ConquVor ! fince thou mud confefs,

** Had I noc Err'd, thy Glory had been Icfs.

' Greg, in 7 cap. Job, lib. 8. cap. 23.

Then God fets Man ^ a mark^ agalnfi him, when Man by finning has forfaken God : But cur jufi Creator fet him as a mar\ againfi him ^ becauff he thought him his Enemy by hvs naughtinefs.

D vn. Whm-

(34)

^/icrcfcn-c /n^cSt i/wn (^ /"^^^

(35)

VII.

Wherefdre hidejl thou thy face^ a.rd holdtfi me for thine emmy t Job xiij. 24.

IS't mji great Error, or thj fmall Refpecl, That I am treated with this cold >iegieB ? I thought thy frowns were but di^embled heat. And all thy threatijing looks an amorom cheat, As4:ender Mothers draw the Bread away. To urge their pretcy Innocents to play 5 Or as the Nurfe feems to de-fjy a Kifs, To make the fonda- 1 lij^liant fte4 the Blifs 5 . So I beheve thou didft abfcond, and nee Only to make me taller follow thee. But now, (alas I ) tis cMicefldW, I had. And not pretended Au'^^v, hut dejign'd: My kind Embrace you coldly entertain . As if we never fhou'd be Friends again : And w ith fuch eagei- hafte my prefence fhun, As Men from A<fonfters or InfeUlon run \ As if ray looks wou'd turn you into Stone : But fear mt that, the TvorJ(s alreadj done ^

So cold you dre\ fo fenfelcfs of my fmartj Some Magick^ftire has petriffd your heart, O let me know what Crime I muft deplore, That lets me fee your dear-lovd Face no more ! Ah ! why that Face muft I no longer fee, Which ne'er, till now, once lookt unkind on me ? Sure you believe there's poylbn in my breath> Or that my Eyes dart unavoided Death. Prevent the danger with thy conqu nng Eye^ Vnfheath its Rays, and let th^ Offender die : Or elfe difcharge a frown, and flrike me dead. Tor more than Death lyour Dilpleaflire dread. Your Eyes are all I wiih, let them be mine. The Sun, unmift by me, may ceafe to fhine : Fair Cynthia^ beautious Eyes, I can contemn, Tho' all the Lamps of Night fetch Beams from them : But if, my Life, my Soul, thou Thine deny, Heart-broke, in darlmels and dcfpair I dye. And if thy very Ah fence caufe fuch pain, Gueis what my Torment is to Lrve^ but lAfve in vain t

Amh.

(?7)

Amb. Apolog. pro David.

Jf any of our Servants offend u$^ we art wont not to look u^on thtm : If this he thought a funifhment among Men, how much more with God ? for you fee that God turned away his face from the Off^er- ingofQdin.

P 5 VIII. 0

(5S)

^fiiohir 7i'cev day(a7id 7Ui./Al:J^7^.t7.^

(?9)

VIII.

0 that my Head were Waters , and mine

Eyes a fountain of TearSy pfut I might mep Day and Night ! Jer. ix. i .

OH ! tbat my Head were one vaft fource of tear s^ With dubling/r^^w/as num'roiisas my hdirs \ My Face a Plain, which briny Floods Ihould drown. And fcorning banks, come proudly rolling down. That grief with inexhanfiible faff lies ^ JVoudfill the aft ems of my flowing Byes i Till the fierce torrents tvhich thofe fprings imj^art . FUwdown myBreafi^ and ft agnate round my Heart,

Not all the tears the Royal Pfalmift fhed. With which his Couch was w/(/Z?W, himfelfwas/i?^? Nor thofe which once the weeping Alary pour'd. On the dear Feet of her forgiving Lord-, Nor thofe which drown d the great Jpeftles Bread, Whofe boafted Zeal fhrunk at th' affrighting Teft 3 iVbrthefe, nor more than thefe, can eerfffffice. To cleanfe the ftains of my Impieties,

D 4 Give

(4°)

Give me the undifcover d fource of Nile,

That with fevn Streams o'erflows th* tAigyftlan Spilj

Ory Noah / let thj Deluge be renew d.

Till I am drown din the impetuous Flood;

TillTow'rSy and Trees, and Hills appear no more j

All one vafi Defert Sea, without a Shore.

O that tbefe Fountains woud their courfe begin, And flow usfafi as I made haflt to Sin I The weeping Limbecks never fhou'd give o^er. Till their laft drop had empty d all their ftore, H^tppjf yc Fountains which for ever flow, JVhofe endlefs Streams no Drouth or Summer kyfow, O that my Eyes had all the Drops which fell From this fair Spring, or that eternal fVe III How do I grudge the Clouds their envyd Rain \ Mffw wifh the boundlefs Treafures of the Main \ Then Jhou'd my Tears, like that, jufl motion keep. And Ifhou'd takeaflrange delight to weep : Nor the fwift current of my grief forbid. Till in the Waves this Jittle World were hid-. Hid, as the neighboring Valleys are o'erfpread, When the warm Sun melts Pindus fnowy head. 'The great Aflyrian, found in JordanV Seas, A happy MecC cine for his foul Difeale 5

Bui

( 40

Bnt what kind Torrent mil my Cure hegut^ And cleanfe my filthier Leprofic of Sin ?

See ! from my Saviour V fide ci flream of Blood : /// bath myfelf in that Redeeming Flood ; That healing Torrent tpoa oh fur^ofe ffilt^ To ypajlo my flidns^ and expiate all my guilt. That ever-flowing Ocean yolll ftiffice For the defeB of my exhaufted Eyes.

Hieron. in Jerem. cap. 9.

Jfltvere all dijfolv*d to Tears ^ and thofe not only fbme few drops, hut an Ocean or a Deluge, / IbouU never rveep enough.

IX, Tk

(42)

mc., fhc S?urcS of J^catfi cn-a^tacrJc

T.^4.-

(43)

IX.

The pains of Hell came about me : the flares of Death overtook me^ P(al. xviij. 4.

WHile ill this (ad diftrels my fclf I view, Methinks I make that Heathen Fable ti-ue^ Of him whole bleeding mangled Carcafs lay. To his own Hounds exposed a helplds prey. Long I the pleafures of the f^bod purCu'd, Till, like its Beails, my felf grew wild and rude ; I hop'd with Hunting to divert my care, But almoft fell my felf into the fiiaie.

Yet CO ihofe Woods ( alas '. ) I did not go, Whofe inn'cent Sports give health ^nd pleafure too. I fpread no Toils to take the tim'rous Deer^ Nor aim'd my Javlin at the rugged Bear. Happy, had I my tim.e fo well imploy'd, Nor had I been by my own Game deitroy d : I had not then mif-fpent my youthful days, Nor torn my flefh among fliarp thorny ways.

But

(44)

But I (alas ! ) ftill ply'd the fparkling nine, Tbat poys'nous Juice of the pernicious Vine -, And this exposed me to Loves fatal Dart, The fal(e betray'r of my unguarded heart : Thou Love^ haft thy fly Nets, and fubtle charms s Nor are thy Bow and Dart thy only Arms. And treacherous fVine does fatal weapons bear ; The Giafs is more deftru6live than the S^ear. Thus SatKffon^ by his Dali/a betray d, Was Hers, and then his Enmies Captive made : Thus^ -when too freely Noah had usd the Vine^ He ypho efcafd the Flood, lay drown d in Wine.

Thus Loye^ by me purfli'd (alas ! ) too faft. Seized my loft Soul, and prey'd on me at laft , Within whofe clofeincircling Toils befet, I feem'd a Beaft juft falln into the Net : Dcftroy d by what my inclination fought. As Birds by their frequented Lime-trpigs caught s For Death around, its fubtle Nets does fpread, Fine as the texture of the Spiders Web : And as ferdne that watchful Robber lies. His buzzing prey the better to furprize 5 But, taught by motion when the booty's nigh, Leaps out, and feizes the entangled Fly :

Or

(45)

Or as a Fowler, with his hidden Snare, Contrives t entrap the Racers of the Air ; While to conceal and further the deceit, He ftrows the ground with his deftruftive meat s And faftens Birds of tiie fame kind, to (ing. And weakly flutter on their captive wing : So Peath the Wretch into his Snare decoys. And with pretended happinefs deftroys : Above the Nets we think a leap to take. But head-long drop into th' infernal Lake.

Amb. lib. 4. in cap. 4. Lucse.

The reward of Honours^ the height of Power ^ the delU cacy of Diet, and the beauty ${ an Harlot^ are the fnAres fifthe Devil,

Idem, de bono mortis.

If^llfi thoufeekefi Pleafures, thou runnefi tntoSnzres ; for the Eye of the Harlot is the Snare of the A- dulterer.

X, Enter

(40

thy 6erranr^{J.7:,ori. TSal:i4^y2,.

(47)

Ertter not into Judgment with thy Servanty 0 Lordy Pfal. cxliij. 2.

TH E Mafiers gains to a (mall fum amount. That calls his Servant to a ftri6l account s And tho' the Servant has not wrong'd his truft. Where s the applaufe of being only Juft f Vainly the Mafter does a Suit begin, Tc gain a Vi6lVy he muft bluili to win .• Andiflm over guilty made, no doubt I muft^o feek^Jome other Mafler out. Believe me, Lord^ to be fevere mth me. Will wrong thee more than mj offending thee. I am fo much too mean for thy regard. Twill leflen thee to mind how I have err d. What! muft thy Regi (tries ih^fleadingsihoyiy Swoln with the HilVry of my overthrow ? Or can I hope my Caufe fhou'^d Thine out- do. Where, Thou fit'ft Jttdge, that art the Plant iff too t What Eloquence can plead with fach fuccefs, To free the wretch that does his debt confefs ?

Alas J

(48)

Alas ! what Advocate beft read in Laws,

Can weakett Thine, or re- inforce my Canfe r

Ah ! not too ftriftly my Accounts furvey,

Nor for Abatements let me vainly pray.

Both Heav'n and Earth thy boundlefs Mercy know,

To Pardon, eafie \ and to Punijh^ Jlotv:

£v^n when our Crimes pull thj juft Vengeance down^

'Tls rather grief, than anger, makes thee frown :

And when thou doft our Punifhment decree.

Thou feeil our ftripes with more concern than wei

And doft chaftife us at fo mild a rate,

That what we bear, we fcarce wou'd deprecate:

And tho' our felves we had the Judges been,

We hardly fhou*d have lightlier touch't our Sin.

But tho' this CharaBer is All thy due.

Let me thy lightefi Cenfures undergo -,

For tho' thy Mercy does no hmits know.

Thy Juj^iee muft have fatisfaBion too.

Thefe Attributes in equal ballancc lye,

And neither muft the others Right deny.

No melting PalTion can afted thy breaft,

Nor foft intreaties charm thy hand to reft : *

Nor baffled Eloquence dares here engage.

But wants it felf fbme happier Patronage.

No J>^, no Bribe, no Trlckjn all the Laws,

Can e er prevail to carry fuch « Caufe.

'TIs

(49)

*Tis vain with Thee^ Lord, to commence ^ Suit, Whofe awful prefence ftrikes all Pleaders mute. No other Judge lb terrible can bcj To make me fear his fin'^eft fcrutinie ; But Thy Tribunal^ Lord, with dread I view, Where thou art P/aintijf, Judge, and TVitjiefstoo : Where, when my Sentence from Thy mouth is come. No Plea can urge Thee to reverfe the Doom. How this dread place augments the Guilty s fear, Where fo much awe and gravity appear ! Ev n He whofe Reasoning did this Truth aflert, And {hot a trembling^ into Felix Hearty Who did not his cw/i judgment Seat decline, Cou'd without trembling never think q{ Thine. And Wtfdoms famous Oracle denies The pureft Souhinbl?mifh'd in Thy Eyes 3 Whofe pious Father ( after thine own heart ) Declares Thy Wra\h the bed: of Man's defert. And 7^/5' affures us, that the ^r^^r/, whofe Light Chears with kind infi'ence our admiring fight , Tho' glorious all in our dim Eyes they fhine. Are only fmall O^acous Orbs in thine. How then can weaker Beams fupport that weight, Wliich fhoOkk thefe Pillars with fuch flrange affriglit ? Or how can humble Hyffof keep its Wall, When Lihms's ilatelieft Cedars fall ?.

E Wheii

when I behold my large unblotted (core, And think what Plagues thy Vengeance has in (lore 3 An icy horror chills my freezing blood, And ilops the aclive motion of its flood.

Asfomefale Captive, when condemn d to death. Loath to refign, evn his la jt gaff of breathy Beholds, with an intent and f eddy eye. The dreadful Inftrument of Fate raisd high : Tet fill unvffilling from this World to go. Shuns -with a jlart the difappointed blow : So, when I fee thy Book, in which are writ All the blackCrimes L r^ly did commit^

Amaz'd, I fly thy Bar 3 -^^

For how can Sinners that ftri^ place abide, Whece ev'n the Right com fcarce are juftify'd ?

Bernard. ;

^ 1

(50

Bernard. Serm. 6. fuper, Bean qui ^ Sec.

What can be thouglS^fo fearful^ what fo full of trotihk and anxitty^ as to ft and to he judged at [uch a Tribunal^ and to ex- fe6i an uncertain Sentence from [uch a Judg..^

^^R>-

#

'W*-

0- ^•■

E 2 IX. Let

(50

(s?)

XI.

Let not the water-flood drown me : neither let the deep [wallow me «/>, Pfal. Ixix, i6.

UUconftant morion of the reftlefs Se<^^ /^ j.^y | Whofe treaclfrous Waves the Sailors hopes be- So calm fometimes, fo fhining they appear, No poliih'dChryftal is more fmooth or clear. Sometimes they fcera ftill as a {landing Lake, Whole modeft Pools no ftir, or motion make. Sometimes the Waves, rais'd by a gentle breeze. Curl their green heads, the wandVmg (ight to pleafes Then, in foft meaiurcs, round the V^eflels dance. And to the Mufick of their Shrouds advance. While thou, kind Sea, their burthen doft fuftain, Ev n while their beaks plough furrows on the Main ? Safe on thy yielding back each \'e{lcl rides, Tho' its rude Oars lafh to a foam thy (ides. The groaning Earth fcarce weightier burthens feels From heavy loaden Carts with i'rn- bound wheels : And that none may fufpedl thou wilt betray, Thy chr>'ftal Waves their rocky breaftsdifplay,

E 3 A^

(54)

As if no treac h'yy cou'd be harbour'd ifhere, Where fuch fak/hows of hone ft j appear.

But when the Anchors, weigh'd, the Salts atripj And a kind gale bears on the floating Ship, Soon as the Land can be perceiv'd no more, And all relief is diftant as the ihoar, Then the rough Winds their boift'rous giifts difchargc, And fill at once affa ult the helplefs Barge. Juft as the furious Ljbim Lions rave, When eager to devour a Sehtenc'd Slave ; Or as a crew of fturdy Thieves prepvire To feize and plunder fome lone Traveller j Then theinfulting Billows proudly rife, And menace, with their lofty tops, the Skies • WhilH: the difcolour'd Waters hide their head, So much th' approaching Tempeft's rage they dread. And when each jarring Wind infults and raves, And altogether hover o'er the Waves ; Short broken Seas ev'n from themielves are torn, And different ways each crowding Billow born. \_All black^heloWy above all foamy -white \ A horrid darknefs mixt svith dreadful Light 3 Here long^ long HiHs^ roll far ^ and tvide aicp-ay ; There abrtt^t Vales fright backjh"^ intruding Day.']

Her«

(55)

Here a vafl Gulph of Ruin opens wide. And the Ship's fwallowed in the rapid Tide : Or if bom on a Tenth unlutky TVave^ The breaking bubble proves its watry Grave. Thus the falfe Ocean treach'roufly beguiles. And thus m frowns end its deceitful fm'des.

But I fufpefted not th' unfaithful Main, Nor did of its inconftancy complain \ I ne'er the fury of the HlyJs did blame, Nor on the Tempefts boiil:erous rage exclaim 5 ( Which twifts the furly Billows, till they rile. And foaming-mad, attack the lo wring Skit's ; ) Nor curft the hardy wretch that led the way. And taught the World to perifh in the Sea. My \''eirel ne'er lanch'd from my native fhoar, Nor did the Navigator s Art explore. I ftudy'd not the Chard, nor gave my mind To learn to tack and catch the veering Wind. Too foon thefe Artifts of their Skill repent. And peri/h by tlie i^rrs they did invent. My Life's the Sea, whofe treachVy I declare, My fe/f the Vefel tofs'd and Shipwrack d ther^ : All the loud Storms of the infulting W^W, Arereftlefs P^j^o^z/of my troubled Aifnd.

Thus

(50

Thus harraft in this flu6luating State, I pafs tbm ftrange Vicljfitudes of Fate,

Deceitful Life ! whole filfe ferenity Changed iii a moment, ends in mifery ! Thou want'ft nofvpeet allurements to betray ; Thy Beauty ever charming, ever gay j While Love and Luft wrack the diftra6led mind, No dangVous Sands, no Rocks, or Shores we find : But when a Tide of Crimes breaks firecely in. And beats the Soul on fatal Shelves of Sin 3 Then, ah too late ! the difmal Gulph it fpies, In which 'tis plung'd, and funk by treachVous Vice.

Oh! that, at leaft like wretched drowning Men, ThQ^Q Jinking Souls \\o\xA rife and float agen ! That, while their grofler parts do downward move. Their pure Devotion wou'd remain above ! But, [uft as men to whom the Earths gaping Womb Becomes at once theit A-furtlirer and their Tomb \ Or as the wretch, beneath fome falling Roch^ At once is kUfd and bury d with the firoke : Or thofe to whom deceitful Ice ^ives way. In vain wou'd rife agen to diftant day : So fare the men by Sins fwift current bom, Thoughtlels of Heav'n, by Heav n th' are left forlorn.

(?7)

See, Lord, how I with JVmd and Tide engage. While on each hand uneqij;^ Wai* they.vvage! 5eehow ray head is bo w'd unto the Cfeve, While I am forc'd to court the drowning Wave ? ^eeft thou fny Soul lofl in a double Death, . And wilt thou not reprive my flitting br^th? Behold J O Lord ! behold, and pity me. And leave me not to perifh in the Sea : O hold me up by thy Almighty hani- And I fhall quickly reach the wifh'd for Land. Be thou my Pjiot, and my Morion guide. Then iSi^fwim m fpight ofJVl^dajrATtdk

Ambrc^ Apolog. "p^JDavie^^. 5. .

... ■ ■■■-^- '^ ^

Thernfiltitudeof^oHr Lufis ratfe a mighty Itempell, Tvhich fo: tolles them that fail i'/t the Qce^n of the Badf^ that the Mind canmt be its own 1?ykJt.

XII. Oh!

rfO

(59)

XIL

^h^ that thou would' fi hide me in the Grave ! that thou would'' fi keep mefecret^ until thy wrath be faji ! Job xiv.- 1 j.

W^ H O, who will grant me a (ecure retreat, Where I may fhun thy furies fcorching heat ? ^hofe piercing flames whene'er I call to mind, [ fear I can no fafe concealment find : rhen I defire the covert of the iVood / p^^^ .

And Caves, whence Beafts are rang'd to feek their rhen in Earth's Womb woii'd hide my fearful head^ Dr in (bmc Sea- worn Rock compofe my Bed : In hilly Caverns then my felf I'd fave, Or fly for refuge to the filent Grave : Or far remote from the fair Orbs of Light, Wou'd in thick Barknefs dwell, and endlefs Night.

When the loud Thunder rouls along the Sky, Vlen to the Lawrels fhelter trembling fly : n vain (alas ! ) they hope ProteEiion thence^ The helpleis Tree proves not its own Dejence 5

Much

(go)

j\ltich lefs can that apUce of Refuge ^^ From an -all-feeing angry Deity,

Thy Eyes the clofeft: Solitudes invade , __

And pierce and pry into the darkeft Shade. The Wretch who took his Ruine from a Tree, In vain with Leaves wouM hide his fhame from Tljee' For while to fhun thy prefence he aflay'd, Ev n his ahfcondlng his ofence beti'ay'd. In vam ( alas ! ) to Caves and Dens vv'e run, We carry mith us what we cannot fhun. The Den that did the Hebrew Captive fave, When He was freed, prov'd his Accufers Grave: Nor was Lot\ Inceft liidden in liis Cave. As much in vain we court the Earths dark Womb, And fly for flicker to the filent Tomb : Vengeance, (vn thither^ will our flight fur fue^ And rife to funifh thofe black ills we doe. Thus vainly Cain ftopt righteous y^^^/'s Breath, *The mouth of blood wa6 opened by his Death. As vainly Jona^ in the Sea concealed 'B^Ysfaithlefs flighty ev'n by the Sea revealed : His living Tomb obey'd Heavns great command, And caft him back to the foriaken Land. A brittle Faith is all the glaiTy Sea can boaft (moft. Tranfparent Waves betray what they fhou'd cover-

Nor

(6t)

Nor can we hope concealment in a Tomb, That^ cafts our bones from itso'er-burthen d Womb. In Rocks and Caves we muft no truft repofe, For their own found the feaet will difclofe. And leaves, and Trees themfelves, alike will fade, And then ex^ofe what they were meant to7^/^^<?. Nor Sea^ nor Land, not Cave, not Den, nor ^W, Nor Stars, nor Heavn it [elf can do me good: ThoH, Lord, alone can ft hide my fearful headj:- Where I no Vengance, nor ev n Thine, can dread. Whilft Thy kind Ha-nd alide thy Thunder lays, \StretchdoHt^ diiarm'd, a fu^pliant Wretch toraife,

Amb. in Jerem. cap. 9.

Iftirher, O Adam ! have thj Tranfgreffions led thee^ that thott (hunnft thy God, Tohom before thou foughfft t That Feoi* ktrayj r/^ CrimCj fto-Flight thy Prevarication.

XIII. Jre

(62)

^7-c ?ici-7ny .^ays fcJV, ccaSc i/ic?i^^^

(63)

XIII.

Are not my days few ? Ceafe then^ and let me alone y that I may hew ail my [elf a, little. Job. X. 20.

MUST a/^w minpttes added to my days Be thought a favour pafTmg thmks or i^redfe ? Ages^ indeed, might well deferve that namcy And render my Ingratitude to blame : But, the increale of a fsw days to come. How little adds it to the flender [urn ? As well the hfant that but treads the Stage, Is faid to leave it in a good old Age. As well poor hfeBs may be (aid to live, To whom their Binh-daj does their Twiral give.

So fading TloroWs their hafty minutes count, AVhofc longejh Life fcarce to one day amount. FlowVsj in the morning Boys^ at noon-tide Men^ At night, with age, feeble as Boys agen. Thus in one {hort-hv'd day they hloom and dify And aJJ the diflVence of pht Ages try.

Wou'd

('54)

Wou'd Times o'er-hafty Wheels their Motion (lay,

And the fwifc hours not poft fo fwift away,

The InfeEis then might lengthen too their Song^

And the Flow'rs boaft their day had been fo long.

But Time iseverhaftning to be gone,

Andj like a Stream^ the Tear ghdesfwiftly oh.

Succeflive A'fcnths clofely each orher trace,

And meet the Sun along his anmtal race^ (pace.i

While fhort-liv'd Days, then either, marchafwifcer.

The harnefl hours are preffing forward ftill,-

And, mcegonehy^ dxt irretrievable,^ .

" Thus envious Time loves on it fe if to pvey,

" And ftill thro its own Entrails eats its way*

Its felf purfues, it fclf it ever flies,

^nd on it felf it ever lives and dies.

So wafting Lamps by their own flames expii'e,

And kindle at themfelves their Fmral pre.

Thus its own courfe the circling Tear puriues,

Till like the Wheels on which 'tis mov'd it grows.

This Truth the Ancients weightily expreft, Who made the lather on his Off-lpring feaft : For Time on Months and Tears., its Children, feeds, And hills with motion^ what its motion breeds. Hours wafte their i?^j,the T>ays their Months confume. And the rapacious yT/i?;^/-^^ their Tf^rj- entomb.

Thus

(<55)

Thus Tears,Months, Days^ and Hours^ ftill keep their 77// allin vafl Eternity 'are drown'd. iSomiA,

Then, Lord, allow my^r/V/fome httle fpace, To mourn xh^ Jhortnefs of my hafty race : I wifh not time for laughter j if I did, My circumfianoes and t\iQf lace forbid. AH I defire, is time for ^riV/and/^^^r/, Let that be all th' addition to my years : Whtch^ tho but jkort^yet hmje been full of fin ^ More than my time was to repent it in. Yet if thou grant'fl: me {bmc few minutes more. They'll make amends for myjhort days before. Come then, My cruel Hands, and without reft Or pity, beat my hard, my fencelefs Breaft ! Drop then, my eyes, you cannot flow too faft , While you delay, what precious time is paft ? Tis done ' my tears have a prevailing force, And Heav'n appeas'd, now ftop their eager courfe,

Hieron. ad Paulam, Epift. 12.

when man firfifinn'^djhe changd Eternity for Mor^ talitj^ Nine hundredyears^ er thereabouts : Bnt fin increafingby deguees, Afuns life was contra^fdto 4 very/ /%ort fpace,

F xiy.ok!

(60

'fcs?.

(67)

XIV.

Oh ! that thty were xvife^ that they under- fiood thisy that they would cofffider their Utter endy Deut. xxxij. 29.

SHame on befotted man, whofe baffled mind Is to all dangers, but the^efent^ blind ! Whofe thoughts are all imploy'd on mifchiefs near^ But i/is TcnrMe^ ntwtx fore-fee^ ox fear. The Soldier is prepar d before th' alarm, The Signal giv n 'twou d be too late to arm. The Pjhts fore-fight waits each diftant blaft, And lofes no advantage in his hade. Th' induftrious Hind manures and fows the Field, Which he expefts a plenteous Crop fhould yield : The lab'ring Ant in Summer (lores at home Provifion e're old Age 2ir\dtVwter come. But, oh! what means Mans ftupid negligence, That ofthefature has no care or fence? Does he expeft Eternity below, A life that fhall no alteration know ? He's much abus'd 5 inevitable DeAth, Tho' it delays^ will one day flop his breath \

F2 Sno,

(68)

Vdln are the hopes the firmefl: Leagues produce.

That Tyrant keeps no Faith, regards no Trnce:

He does not to the Peace he makes indine,

To ta^,^ advAntAge in his whole defign :

To him Alluiyice is an empty name, 1

He does all vnfrefts. But his orpyi, difdaim. >

Sooner the Ice or Snow fhall mix with Flame ) j

Sooner the faithlefs Winds and Waves agree, 1

And night and Day, and Lambs for fafety flee >

To bloody wolves,then that make Peace with Thee: )

Fiercely the greedy fpoiler ftrikes at all,

A prey for Iiis infatiate Jaws toofmall :

He tears ev'n ten^r Infants from the bread.

And wraps them in a Shrewd, ere for the Cradle drefi.

Nor Sex nor Jge the grim Deftroyer fpares,

Unmov'd ahke by Innocence zndTears.

Here fprightly Youth, there hoary bending Age

Sweet Boys, and blooming Virgins glutt his Rage.

Like common Soldier s, chief Commanders d^^.

And like Commanders^ common Soldiers lie.

No fliining Duft appears in Crafu's Urn,

Tho' all he touch'd he feem'd to Gold to turn.

Nor boafts fair Rachels face that Beauty here,

For which the Patriarch ferv'd his twice-fev n year,]

And: never thought the pleafing Purchafe dear.

Evn

Evn Dives here fr cm Laz'rus // not knmn^

lor now Ones Purple, th' Others Rags are gone.

Each has no Manfion but his narrow Cell,

E<[Hal in colour and alihe in fmelL

Why then fhou'd man of fuch vain Treafure boaft,

So difficultly ^^/»'^ fo quickly loft ?

For, late or ^4r/r, all refign their breath,

And bend, fale Viclims to their Conqttror Death:

Each ^^.v, each Age^ Profejfion^ and Degree,

Moves tow'rds this Centre oti Humanity.

But did they not a farther Journey go, And that to die were all they had to d» 3 Cou'd but their Souls dillolve as faft away, As their corrupting Carcases decay j They a covet Death to <f«^ their frefent cares ^ And for prevention of their future fears : They d to the Grave, as an Afylum run, And fo;^r^ the ftroke which now they wilh to fhtm i But Death (alas !) ends not their mifcries, The SouFs immortal^ tho' the Body dies. Which, foon as from its Pris n of Clay enlarg'd, At Heav ns Tribunarsy^-^f^^/rV or difchargd. Before an awful Pow'r,;/(/? znd fevere. Round whofe bright head confuming flames appear 5

The

(7o)

The fhackled Captive, dazled at his fight, Dejefted ftands, and fhakes with wild afflright. While, withftri(^ fcrutiny, the Judge furveys Its heart, and clofe impieties difplays. The wretch conviEled^ does its guilt confefs. Nor hopes for mercy ^ for concealment lels j While //<?, th* Accufer^ Jt^^ge^ and IVitnefs too, Damns it to an Eternity of woe j Where, fince no hope of an Appeal appears,

Twou'dfain diflblve and drown it felfin tears.

f

What terrors then feize the forfaken Soul, That finds no Patron for a Caufe fo foul ? Then it implores fome Mountain to prevent, By a kind cruih, ixsjhame Siudpmijhment.

O wretched Soul, juft fuilge, hard Sentence too ! What hardened wretch dares fin, that thinks on Ton ? Vat here, (alas!) ends not the fatal grief, There is another Death, another Life. A Life as boundlefs as Eternity ; A Death whence fhall no Refurreflion be. What H^// of Torments fhall in This be found ? With what a Heavn of Joys fhall That abound > Here rich caeleftialNe6lar treats the Soul ; There Fire and Brimftone crowns the flaming Borvl:

That^ fiird with Mufick of th' Angelick Quire, Shall each bleft Soul with Extafies infpirei While T/^Af difturb'd, at ev'rj' hideous yell, Shall in the Damn'd raife a new dread of Hell : That knows noiliarp excefs o^cola or heat^ In 7^^ the wretches alwzysfreefe or fwe at. There reign Eternal Refl, and foft Refofe j Here^ gainful toil r\o end ot meafure knows. That^ void of grief, does nought affiiclive fee \ This^ ftill difturb'd, from troubles never free, O happy Ufe ! O vaft unequaird B/ifs ! O Death SiCcnvs'dl O cndlds Miferies ! For that or thh muft be the doubtfuU cajl. Nor may we throw agen when once 'tis pall. Be wife then, Man, nor will thy care be vain, ^ To fhun the Misery ^ and the BHfs obtain j (gain. ( Give Heav'n thy Hearty if thou its Crown wou dll j

Aug. Soliloq. cap. 3

what more lamentable and more dreadful c*n be thought of ^ than that terrible Sentence^ Go? What mere delightful^ than that fleajing Invitation^ Come ? They are two words ^ of which nothing can be heard more affrighting xhan the One, nothing more rejoycing than the Other.

F 4 XV. My

<70

\vid viy y^cars fiut/i mmrmfuj.TJaJ.jin

(7?)

XV.

My life is WAxm old with heavinefs, and my years with mournings Pfal. ji. ii.

W^'Usxlowring Star rul'd my unhappy Birth, And banifh'd thence all days oieafe & mirth ? While expectation ftiJl deludes my mind, Pleas'd with vain hope ^om^fmiling hour to find : But ftill that fmiling hour forbears to come, ind fends a row of Mourners in its room. I hop'd alternate courfes in each day. And that the/o/s^/ tp/rr/V^r woud give way: And as the Sun difpels the Clouds of Night, When he to Heav'n rell:ores his welcom Lights Or as the Moons kind infl ence brings again The riling motion of the low-ebb'd Main: So I, with unfuccesful Augytrj^ Prefag'd things yo 04 1 woud h^ve them he : But, oh ! my grief exc^ds in length and [urn The Widows Tribute at her HushixncSs Tomb: She J when the Author cfher Joy is gone . [s twice- fix months confin'd to mourn alone 5

Yet

(74)

Yet the laft half fhe docs not, as before. Hide her fmooth Fore-head in a clofe Bendore, But all my years are in dee^ mourmng fpent, There's not a months not onejhort day exempt. No rules give hounds or meafHre to my woes, But their increafe, like the feign'd Hydras grows. My life fo much in (ighs and tears is fpent, It minds that leafi, for which 'twas chiefly meant,

Tis true, Storms often make the Ocean fwell 5 But the moft violent are Jhortefi ftill ^ For when with eager jury they engage^ *They lofe themfelves in their exeefs of rage. And when their Winter-blafls difrobe the Wood, Their Summer-airs make all the trefpafs good : Ifthe rough North doth his black wings difplay When once he's gone, far lovelier grows the Day. But grief does all my haplefs years imploy, Nor grants me one Parenthefis of Joy. My Mufick is mfighs ^n^ groans expred. With my own hands extorted from my bread • This fad diverfion is my (bl^^, delight, My Mufick this by Day, my Song by Night. How oft' have fighs, while I my words confined, Broke Prifon, and betray'd my troubled mind ?

How^

(75)

How oft* have I In tears confum'd the day, And in complaints pafs'd the long night away ? Oft' you, my Friends, did my wild Griefs condemn* And I as oft' aflay'd to ftiffle them : Let loofe the reins to mirth, you always cry'd j To lofe the reins, ( alas ! ) in vain I try'd : For when with laughter I a figh fuppreft, It rais'd a fatal confli^l in my breaft j And if I wifh for fleep to ciofe my eyes. Still a frefh fhowV that envy'd blifs denies ; Then if I ftop its courfe, impetuous grown, 'Twill force its way, and bear the Sluces down. Each Brook, whole ftream my tears have made to rifcj Each fhady Grove, fiU'd with my mournful cries 5 Each lonely Vale, and ev ry confcious Hill, The kind repeaters of my forrows ftill i Thefe loiovvthe troubles which I wifh'd conceal'd Were by loud throbbings of my heart reveal'd 5 From fencelefs Woods my Sorrows pitty found. The Ecchoes oft' repeat tho mournfull found. My fecret moans they vented o're again ;

Bv turns we wept, and did by turns complain.

4-;

So, mov'd by 'her Sifter's lamentable Note, Sad Philomel unlocks her mournful throat,

f^

(70

As if the 'enifous Rivals were at ftrife

Whofe tongiie fliou d beft cxprefe the height of griefl

The widoypd Turtle fo bewails her Mate,

V/ith. grief unalterahle^ as his Fate,

And fo the Stars have my fad life defign'd.

That not one minute fliou'd be/<?;V or kind.

And that my fbrrows may not find relief, By wanting new occafions for my grief, Tis their decree, That,^/ 7ny Infant-breath Began whhjtghsyfo IJhotidftghto death.

Chryfbft,

(77)

Chryfoft. in Pfal. 115.

Ought tPe not worthily to lament^ who are in a jira?ige Country^ and ha- nifh'd to a Climate remote from our Native Soil?

DESIRES

rjS)

fervent acJirc ihatiirTiaih aUnrayS

(79)

DESIRES

OF THE

RELIGIOUS SOUL.

BOOK the Second.

L

M]/ foulbreflkah oat for the, 'Very fervent de- fire that It hath always unto thy Jf*^g' ments^ Ffal. cxix. 20.

W^Hile Heavn and Earth foliciteme to love. My doubtful choice is puzzel'd vv^^^ t'approve: Heav n cries, obey^ while Earth proclaims, he free : Heav'n urges dutj^ Earth pleads liberty, Call'd hence by Heaven, by Earth I'm call'd again. Toft, like a VefTelon the reftlefs Main : Thefe diiTrent L oves a doubtful Combat wage, And thus obftniEi the choice they wou'd engage. Ah ! tis enough 5 let my long-harraft mind In the befi choice a quiet Haven find ! O my dear God ! Let not my Soul incline To any Love, or let that Love be thine /

( 8o ).

*Tis true, 'tis pleafant to hsfree to chufe,

And when we wiil^ accept ; when not, refufe.

Freedom of choice endures reftralnt but ill 5

'Tis ufurfatlon on th' unbounded will.

The neighing Steed Thus, loos'd from Bitt, and rein

To his lov'd, well-known pafture runs again.

Thus the glad Ox, from the ploughs burthen freed.

Runs lowing on to wanton in the Mead :

And when the Hind their freedom wou'd revoke,

Thii fcorns his Harnefs, That ^efies the Toak.

l^ox freedom in our choice we count a bliis j

Eager to chnfe, tho' oft we chufe amifs.

So thejoung Prodigal, impatient grown

To manage his entire Eftate alone.

Takes from his prudent Father's frugal care

His Stocky, bj that improvd and thriving there:

But his own Steward made, with eager hafte

He does the flow-gain' d Patrimony wdfle,

Tillfiarv'd by Riot, and with Want opprefst.

He feeds with Swine, himfelf the greater Bead.

Thus in Deftru5lion often we rejoice.

Pleased with our ruin, fince it was our choice.

How do we weary Heav n with different Pray'rsI

Themedly, fure, ridiculous appears.

This begs a ^ife, nor thinks a greater blilsj

And that's as earneft to be rid of his :

This

This prays for Children 3 That o'er-ftock'd, repines At the too fruitful Jjfue of his Loins. This asks his Father's days may be frolon^d 3 That^ if his Father Uves^ complains hes wrong'd : Youth prays {or good old Age^ and aged Men ' Wou'd caft their Skins, and fain grow young agen. Scarce in Ten thoufand any Tvpo agree 3 Nay, fbme difihe what they juft v;ijh'd to he. None know s this minute what lie ought require. Since evn the next begets i.ncw defire. So Women pine with various Longing-fits, When breeding l^s deprav'd their Appetites 3 The humorfom impertinent Difeafe Makes that which fleas' d them moft, as much diffleafe. Oh ! why, like them, grown reftlefs with defire. Do my vain thoughts to boundlefs hopes afpire ? Be gone falfe hopes, vain wifhes, anxious fears ! Hence, you difturbers of my peaceful years ! O my dear God ! let not my Soul incline To any Love, or let that Love be thine !

Aug. Sohloq. cap. 12.

Allure. O Lord^ my de fires ixith that fweetnefs which thou hafi laid up for them that fear thee^ that I may defire thee with eternal longi/igs 3 lefi the in- ward relifihy being deceived^ may mi flake bitter j^' fiveetj andfrveet for bitter.

G IL Q that

<82>

r.Sz.

(S?)

II.

0 that my ways tvere made fo direct ^ that I might keep thy Statutes! Pfal. cxix. 5,

IN what a maze of Erroiir do I ftray, M'here various paths confound my doubtful way! Tliis^ to the right j That to the left-hand lies : Here, Vales defcend 5 there fwelling Mountains rife : This has an eafie^ That a rugged way j The treachVy This conceals. That does betray. But whither thefe fo diff 'rent courfes go, Their wandring paths forbid, tilltry'd, to know*. AUanders ftream a ftreighter motion (leers, Tho' with himfelf the -wand rer interferes. Not the ficlitious Labyrinth of old Did in more dubious paths its guefts infold 5 Here greater difBcuIties ftay my feet, And on each road I thwarting dangers meet, Nor I the diffVent windings only fear, ( In which the Artift's skill did mofl appear : ) But, more to heighten and increafe my dread, Darknels involves each doubtful ftep I tread.

G 2 No

(§4).

No friendly tracks my wandring foot-iieps guide. Nor other feet th'unirodden ground have try'd. And, tho\ left on fome fatal Rock I run. With out-ftretcht Arms I grope my paflage on s Yet dare I not through Night and danger ftray, They' arreft my cautious fteps, and ftop my way. Like a ftrange Traveller by the Sun forfook, And in a road unknown by Night o'er-took, In vN'hofe lone paths no neighb ring Swains refide, No friendly Star appears to be his guide, No fign or track by humane foot-fteps worn, But folitary all, and all forlorn. He knows not but each blind-fold ftep he treads To fome wild Defart or fierce River leads : Then calls aloud, andhishoarfe voice does ftrain," In hope of anfwer from fome neighbVing Swain 3 While nought but cheating Eccho calls again.

Oh ! who will help a wretch thus gone aftray ! What friendly Star direft niy dubious way ? A glorious Cloud conducted IfraeFs flight, By day their cov'rlngy as their guide by night. The Eaflern-Kings found Bethlem too from hx, Led by the fhining condu8: of a Star j Nor coud they in their tedlotu ]ourney erry fVho hadfo bright a fellow-traveller »

Be

(85)

Be thou m tefs propitious. Lord, to me. Since all my bus'nefs is to wor/hip Thee. See how the wandring Croud miftake their way, And, toft about by their own error, ftray ! This tumbles head-long from an unfeen Hill ; That lights on a blind path, and wanders ftilf. With Hafi, but not Good fpeed^ this hurries on j That moves' no fafter than a Snail might run. While to and fro another hafts in vain, No fooner in the right, than out again. Here one walks on alone, w hofe boafted skill, Invites another to attend him ftill 3 Till among Thorns or miry Pools they tread j This by his guide. That by himfelf m\\kdi. Here one in a perpetual Circle moves, Another^ there, in endlefs mazes roves 3 And w hen he thinks his weary ramble done. He finds (alas !) he has but ]ujl begun. Thus ftill, in Droves, the blinded Rabble ftray. Scarce cne of thoufands heeps or finds the way.

O that my ways direfled were by Thee, From the deceits of baneful Error free f Till all my motion, like a Darfs, became Swift as its fi^ht, unerring as its aim,

G 3 Thit

(85)

Tliat where thy Laws require me to obey,

I may not loiter^ nor tniftake the way.

Then be Thou, Lord, the Bow^ thy Law the Hloite^

And / the Arrow deftin d for the flight:

And when thou'rt pleas'd to fhew thy greateft skill.

Make me t\\QpHJh'd Shaft t obey thy Will.

Aug,

(87)

Aug. Soliloq. cap. 4*

0 Lord^ who arP the Light, the Wny, the Tfufhj and the Life ; in whom there is no Darkne/^ Error, Vanity, or Deaths Say the word, 0 Lord, let there he Lights that I may fee the Light, and fhtin the Darkneji ; that I may find the right way^ and avoid the wrong ; that I may follow Truth, and fie from Vanity ; that I may obtain Life, and efc ape Death.

III. 0 hol^

(88)

(7. /lO^/d. l/t^t ^J 771V iieifl^J 27t l/ll'

(89)

III.

0 hold thou uf my going in thy pathsy that my footfiefs pf not^ Pfal.xvij. 5.

s

O oft will me my faithlefs Feet betray. So often {tumble in fo plain a way ? O thou, who all our fteps from Heav n doft fee, O hold me up, dear Lord, who lean on Thee !

The Stork inftru6ls her timorous young to ftray, In hidden tracks through Hca\''n^ wide pathleli way : Till the apt Brood, by bold Example led. Perform the daring Flight they us'dto dread.

Tlie Eagles teadi their unfledgd young to fly, Around th' untroden Regions of the Sky. Till for their Aid they now no longer care ; Butfeailels row, with feather'd Fins, thro' Seas of Air. Thus Boys, w^hen firfl they venture Streams unknown, On fpungy Cork's light weight, fupport their ow^n : Till more improved, tliey thtitfirfi help throw by. Ambitious now alone the FKoods to try.

And

(90

And tho' awliile, e'er they have pra^lls'd been, Too often they'll imwelcoiTie draughts fuck in 5 Yet they, at length by ufe, perfection gain, And fport and play, wide-wandring in the Main.

Thou, who from Heav'n obferv'fl our fteps bdoyvy See by what arts thy Servant learns to go ! While all my weight on this ^Ight Engines laid, I move the wheels that do my motion aid. Thus fc^ebk age, fupported bj^a Cane^ Is tWd with that on which 'tis fore d to lean. But tho', dear Lord ! ambiguous terms I u(e, I of no fiilure can my feet accufe: I can perceive no imperfe6lion there^ No rocky ways, or thorny roads theyfc^n The weaknefs of my 7»/Wdifturbs me mod, Whofe languid jeet have all their motion loft : All its affections lame and hd-ridsn'Cy (Thofe feet, alas ! wliich fliou'd its mbtion fteer j When it fhou d move in \'irtues eafie road, Alas I 'tis tir'd as foon as got abroad. My frail, my bending Knees alTiftance need, Weaker than Ruflies, or the bruifed Reed. Sometimes, but rarelj, it renews the race, j^d eagerly moves o??, a JeluiV ^ace :

But

(9i)

Bat, weary of its jouraey, fcarce begun, Its boafted tkme is all extincl, as fcxni As fmoaking Flax by rugged Whirlwinds blown. Yet, left I ihou d too much my Qoth betray, I force my fteps and make feme little way j But then am cautious how my Feet I guide Leaft they (hould chance to trip, or rove afide: And the uncharitable world incline To place it not on Weaknels, but on WJnr. My reehng fteps move an indented pace, As 'twere a Cripple halting o'er a Race. / w/7/, / wont '^ I burn, all in a breath ; And that's Icarce out, e'er Im as cold as death : And then, impatient at my fruitlefs pain, Tir'd in the mid-way, I return again: Vet cannot then recover my firft place. The pleaUnt feat whence I began my race. Toft, Hke a Ship on the tempeftuous wave. Which neither help of Sails nor Oars can lave: While with new vain attempts I try again. And would repair the lo6 1 did fuftain, 'The fmall fuccefs too manifeftly proves My fruitlefs labor in a circle moves. Thus Slaves, condemned to ply a toilfom Mill, Repeat the fjme reuiming motion ftill:

Tho'

(92)

Tho' ilill the refllefs Engines hurry'd round, They by its hafte gain not one foot of ground.

' What fhall I do, a ftranger to the race, Whofe lazy feet fcarce move a Snails flow pace ? Heavn lies remote from this mean Globe helow^ ') None but the fwlft and firong can thither go 5 > What then fhall this my heavj Chariot , do > j

Thy footfteps, Lord, o'ercbme the rougheft way i A Gyant s Feet move not lb fwift as they. Thou with a ftep doft Eafi and fVefi divide, And oer the world, like a Colojf^ts, ftride.

But like the Tortoife, my dull Foot's delay'd. Or rather, like the Crab, moves retrogade. How can I then hope to that Co^/ to run, I make the bus'uefs of my life to fliun ? But do thou, Lord, my trembhng feet fuftain, Then I the Race and the Reward fhall gain.

AmK

(9?)

Amh. de fuga ficuli, cap. i.

Who amo7ig fo many troubles of the bodj/y amofig fo vtany allurements of the Worldy can h^ep a fafe and nnerring conrfe ?

IV. My

(90

44^]flcS/i f7^^77il?let/i ^^7^ fiar /cf' ^/2ec.^a7^dIa^7v afj^aill affhv^7id£j: 77ienls.jE'6alf.iia. i2c .

(9S)

I V.

Myfleflj tremhkth for fear of thee y and I am afraid of thy Judgments^ Plal. cxix. 120.

A Dread of Heavn was by the Ancients taught. As the firft imprels on Man's infant thought. And he who underftood it beft, has laid, Tis the prime ftep that does to Wifdom lead. Informed by tliis my early childhood grew. And to fear Heavn was the firft thing I knew : But ftill fuch dark Oblivion dull'd my mind, I could not the repeated Alfha find. No ftripes can puniih my neglectful aimc. Thus unimprov'd t* have triffled out my time. Dull Boys by ftripes with Learning are infpir'd. By little fains ^ with Indnfiry acquired: When twice or thrice they read their Letters o'er. They're as familiar as if known before «: And tho' in colotir all alike appear. Each is diftinguiih'd by its CharaBer. May I not hope Age will compleat in me The eafie task of tender Infancy ?

In

(9^)

In many things I no In^rnUer fought, Too apt, (alas!) to pra6lile them untaught. What is not Tear as fbon imbib'd, a B.ule So oft explain d in Arts Improving School f Why I fhoud flighty ftill (to my fhame) I>^r, And flight that mofi, which I fhoii'd moft revere. I fear Mans Eye when I wou'd a(5l a Sin, But dread not Heav'n^ nor the^r^^f Judge within : For my gr of s Body I am ftill in fear. But my fure Soul partakes iM^f my care. Thus filly Birds a harmlels Siare-croKv fhun j Yet boldly to the fatal Lime-tmgs run. The Royal Stag thus Feathers frighten more, Than the full cry of Plounds, that's juft before. Thus the fierce Lion, of falfe fires afraid, Flies to the To///, in which he is betrayed. Such vanity has mens dark minds o'erfpread. That lefs the Thunder than the Clap tliey dread , Think Hell a Fable, an invented name, And count its Fire a harmeiefs lamher>t flame. ^^'ith brutifh rage to blackeft ills they run, And never fear the wickednefs, till done : But tho' this fear did not their Crimes prevent^ Twill come, too fure, to be their punlfhment. *Then with llrange frights, from their loftfenfesdxWny Their reftlels thoughts run on offended Heav'n :

Then

(97)

Then fudden fears their watchful Thoughts allarni;^ And call them from their lonely beds to arm , f While their own fhadows only do them harm. v Each httle thing s fo magnify'd by fear, They dread a Lion, when a Moufe they hear. If in the night they hear a gentle breeze Begin to whifper in the murmuring Trees, With hair ereft, and cold unnatural fweat, They fhrink beneath the confcious Coverlet. What do they then, when glaring Light nl/igs fly. And hdlowmg'Thfin^ers roll along the Sky ? They think each flafli a Meifenger of death. And at each cracky defpair of longer breath 5 At every noife they in new fears engage, And ruine from each accident prefage. Nay, e'en of Silence, and its felf afraid. -The troubled minds eternally difmay^d ;- Such puniihments att'end afflicting guilt. Which nevei- pain like its own torments felt. *ThM.< tYcmhling Cain dreads from each hand he fees The fate his injur d Brother had from his. His crimfon Soul, with AbelV A^arther fiaind^ Sri 11 with the bloody Scene is entertain d. No more fevere corredion waits on lin, Than its unbrib'd upbraider ftill\vicbin=

H Then

(82)

Then with thy Darts, Lord, frighteft me from ill, My Fury wants this kind reftri£lion ftill. Fear timely comes i^efore a fault's begun^ He fears too late, ^^t fears not till 'tis done.

Bernard

(8j)

Bernard. Serm, 26.

The holy Pfalmift defives wifely to be fmitten^ and healthfully to be woun- ded^ when he frays to be transfix d with the fear of God i for that fear is an excellent Dart^ that wounds and dejiroys the lujis of th» Flejh^ that the Spirit ntay be fafe.

H2 V. Otur;^

( i°o )

O hwrv (^wo}^ 7/117 ic. eycS Ica^l

T. i0o

(lOl)

0 turn away mint eyes, iefi they khold vA'- mtjf Pfal. cxix. 37.

IN my high Capitof two Gentries ftill Keepconftant wicfit to guard the Citadel: l^fixdox Tvandring Stars ^ I do not know, Tho' either epithet becomes them too y Each from its Duty is in ftraggling loft, Yet each maintains immovaiflji its Poft 5 Both fwift of motion^ yet bothj^.vV remains Whsit Sampfin this dark Riddle can explain >

Ev'n Toffi my £jesy are thefe mj/fterioHS Stars, Fix'd in my head, yet daily -tvanderers : Who plac'd in that exalted Tovp'r of mine, Like Torches in fome lofty Pharos fhine 3 Or hke two Watch-men on fome riling place. View every near, and every diftant pais. Vet yoq to me lefs gonftant prove by far. Than thofe kind Guides to their Obfervcrs arc \

H3 Their

(86)

Their favours only with themfelves expire, Unlefs the hand that gave, recalls their fire. You, like mad Steeds, too headftrong for the Reiii, Will let no pow'r your wandring courfe reftrain ; ToH^ by whofe guidance we Ihou'd danger fhun, Betray us to the Rocks on which we run. Thus wandring Bina^ led hyyonrfalfe light ^ Expos'* d her Honour, to oblige her Sight, Thus, while Jeffides view'dtiie.bathingDamc, What ceold her heat, k^ttdledin him aflame. Thus gazing on the Hebrew Matrons eyes, Made the Affyrian's head her eafie prize. Thus the fond Elders, by thftvc fight milled, Purfu'd the joys of a forbidden Bed ; Nor ootid their luflfnl flame he difpojfefi. Till with ajhow'r of weighty ft ones fuppreft.

More ruin'd Souls by thefe falfe guides are loll:. Then fhipwreck'd Veffels on the rockieft Coafl.

Then happy he, happy alike and wife. Who made a timely covnant with his eyes? And happier he who did his guards disband. Torn from their Polls by his wife fearlefs hand /

So

(87)

So ill, f^lfe CentrUs, you your charge perform, You favour thefurfriz^^ that fliou*d the Cdmf Allarm. Did you for this the Cafitol obtain ? For this the charge of the chief C aft le gain ? That you have thus t inferior Earth betray d, Man^s lofty Soul, for nobler Objecls made ? And do not rather raife his thoughts on high. Above the ftarry Arches of the Sky ? That Theatre will entertain his hght With various Scenes of fuitable dehght .* But you are more on Earth than Heavn intent. And your induftrious fearch is downward bent.

What fhall I doe, (mcejiou unruly grow, And will no limits, no confinement know ? Oh ! fhut the wandrer's up in endlefs night, Or with thy hand, dear God, contrail their fight.

Aug. Soliloq. cap. 4^

^oe to the blind eyes that fee not Thee, the Sun that enlighteyfi both Heaven and Earth ! woe to the dim eyes that can-not fee Thee / tvoe to them that turn away their eyes from beholding Truth ! woe to them that turn not away their eyes from beholdingYzxnty !

H 4 VI. 0 Let

(1^4)

OiUhnyheartheSmLnCini tky \Statwtej, thatlbenota^tiwneiL

(»oO

vr.

0 let my heart be found in thy Statutes ^ that I he not ajhamedy Pfal. cxix. 8 9.

COu'd I but hope my Face wou'd pleafe my T^ear^ Thatfkoxidht all my huinefs^dXl my care : My firft concern fhou*d for Comflexien be. The next^ to keep my Skin from /r^r^fj free: No help of y^r^, or Induftry Td want, No Beautj-water^ or improving P^/wf. My Drejfwg-hoxes fhou'd with Charms dhound^ To make decay d oldflejh ktmyoung and found : With Si^aniflj-ypQol^ red as the blooming i?<?y?. And Cerfijje, w^hiter than the Mountain Snows : With all the Arts thsit ft^diom Virgins know. Who on their Beauty too much pains beftoWo Then I'd corre6l each error by my Glafs, Till not one fault were found in all my face. If on my brow one hair amifs I fpy'd, That YcryHair fhou'd foon be rectify 'd. l{df^/l my Ejes, how loudly Td complain Till they their wonted Lf^ftre wore again

Should

(90)

Should but one wrinkle in my Face appear, I'd cry, What means this favvcy wrinkle here ? Ev'n with each Mole t offend thee I fhou'd fear, Cou'd I but think this Face to thee were dear. For if the fmalleft ff^^rt thereon flioud rife, I doubt 'twou'd feem a Mountain in your eyes. Nay, the lead Fault my felf wou'd cenfure too, For fear that Fault fhou'd be diflik^d % you. Thus every Grace which Nature has deny'd, By Arfs kind help ihou*d amply be fupply'd : With Curls and Locks I wou'd adorn my head, And thick with Jewels my gay TrefTes fpread : With double Pearls Td hang my loaded ears, Whilft my white neck vaft Chains of Rubles wears. Thus I among the falrefl wou'd be feen. And dare vie Beauty^ ev n with Sheba's ^een.

But oh ' no fuch vain toys affeft your mlndy Thefe meet with no admirers^ but the bllnd^ Who imDrefs feek Obje6ls of their love. Which cnceput off, the Beauties too remove, ■ Thus the fond Crowd's caught by digay attire-) The only thing indeed they find t'admire.

But Toti^ my Love, no borrorvd Beauties prize. No artificial Charms attra6l your eyes.

Dear

(90

Dearas jo/zr ow/t, you X2Xq 2i jpotlefs hearty And for its fake accept each other fart.

Oh that my heart unfpotted were, and free From every tindure of impurity ! Then in your favour I fhou'd make my boaft, And hate each ftain by rvhlch it might he lofl,

Hugo de S. ViS^ in Arrha animse.

O bafe and filthy ffots^ ivhy doe jfOH flicks fo long i? Begone^ depart^ and frefume no more to offend my Beloveasjtght,

Chryfoft.

(io8)

CaniC' niyr£clav-edj let uJ go J?rtftiritxT the JField^rict *r^v< ^Mrdt/e in tlieO^iUaoeJ

(top)

XV.

Come fHy Beloved J let tis go forth into the Fields^ kt m lodge in the FillagtSj Cant, vij. II.

COme,come, my Zot^^^t's leave the bufic throng, Wc trifle here our precious time too long. Come, let ushaften to fome Fie Id or Grove^ The fittefi Theatres for Scenes of Love. Strong Walls and Gates the City guard, 'tis true, Bnt tvhat fecures it thut, confines fV too. We'll reap the pleafures of the oj^en Fields Which doQsfecurity with freedom yield. For there's / know not what, fo fafe, fo dear I'th' Country, as we ne'er fhou'd light on here What tho' the City-Toiv'rs the Clouds invade, Andoer the Fields proie6i: their lofty Ihade? Yet thence Content has made a fir retreat. And chofe the humble Cottages its feat 5 ( Where fomething more divinely fw^eet they breath, Altho'all Thatch above, all Earth beneath.)

There

^94)

There the remoteft Solitudf cn]oys Thebleffmg of n^ore quiet, and iefs nolfe, Ck)methen, nr/Love, and let's retire from hence^ And leave this hujte fond impertinence. Sec I ev n the Cities cHeft Son and Heir, Who gets his Gold, his dear-lpv'd Idol, there ; Yet in the Country Ipends his Citj-gains, And makes itspleafure recompenee his fains : And tho' the City h^shis fMc\voice, The Country ever is his frppate choice. Here ftill the Eich, the M'/e, and the Great^ Unbend their minds in a iecure retreat 5 And Heavens free Canopy yields more dehght Th2LVi guilded Roofs and Fret-workjto the fight. Nor cm fenced Cities keep the mind in peace, So well as open guar diefs Villages. Come then, my Love, let's from the City haft, Each minute we fpend there, is (b much vvalle.

I have a Country-Farm, whofe fertile ground Soft murmuring Brooks and chry ftal Streams furroundj A better Air or Soil were never known, Nor more convenient diftance from the Town : Hither, my Love, if thou wilt take thy flight. The city will no more thy fenfe delight, Drivnfrom thy thouglits as quickly <^s thy fight.

Here

(9-5)

Here in the fliades I will my Bear cards. At leifure to receive my kind Addrefs. Here, from the City and its Tumults free, I fhall enjoy more than my felf, in Thee, As o'er our Heads, drels'd in tbeir leavy State, The amorous Turtle wooes his faithful Mate. No bus'nefs fhall invade our pleafure here. No rude difhirber of our Joys appear. . Here thou thyfecret fajftons fhalt reveal. And whilper in my ear. the pleafing tale s While in requital I dilclofe my flame. And in the favVing Shades conceal my fhame. Oh ! cou'd I fee that happy happy day ! I know no blils beyond, for which to pray. Then to the Country let us, Dear, repair. For love thrives be ft in the clear opert air.

Hieron. Ep. ad Hefiod. i.

PFkit iloft- thou ? how long doe the (hadows of the hufes confine thee ? how long does the Prifon of the fmoal^y City Jhut thee ;//? f Believe me, I fee fome greater Light, and am refolvd to throw off the Burthen of 'he Flefk, and fly to the jplendor of the purer air.

Vin. Draw

(112)

^Dranr mcj rv^e wHi riin^tcr

.bficc f^/^ t/icSaimiLr^ (rf tliy^

Cant I 'J'

PudA^l

(II?)

vni.

Draw me^ we mil run After thee^ (Jn the fit- vour of thy Oyntments^ Cant. i. J^

SEE how my feeble Limbs, now giv'n in vain, Increafe the burthen which they (houdfi^fiatfit While, M^eary of my hated Hfe, I lie, A faint refemtlaiice of .what once was I. My head, depVeft with its own weight, hangs fow^ And to themfelves my Limbs a burthen grow. In various pofiures ftill I feek for cafe, But find at laft not any one to pleale. Now. I wou'd rlfi^ no<v wifh my k\£ in hedy 'Now with my hands fupport my drooling he ad: Now on my back^^ now on my face I he, And now for reft on either fide I try : And when my bed I've tumbled reftlcfs o ef. I'm ftill th' fineafte wretch I was before. Thus hindered by my ojvn Infirn^itj^ Tho' fain I tvou/d, I cannot follorv thee. Then wilt thou go, and leave me dying here ? Is this thy kindnefs, this thy love, my Dear ? r And do I then (o gi'eat a burthen grovr. Thou wilt not ftay till I can with thee go ?

j Thv^

("4)

Thus Soldiers from their mounded Comrades fly

At an allarm of any danger nigh.

Vnnatrd Mothers thus their Bahes difclaim,

Urg'd CO the fin by Poverty or Shame.

Stretch, Lord, thy hand, and thy iveakjollower meet,

Or if not reach thy hand, yQt fiay thy feet.

The grateful Storks bears o'er the fpacious Flood listed Dam, and triumphs in the load : The Doe flipports her tender fwlmmerswei^t y And minds /?<?;^yf/f"lefs than her dearer fraight.

But you, unkind ! forfake your Love, alone, In defert Fields forgotten, and unknown, So burthenfom her Company is grown : Yet rd not hinder or retard your hafte, But gently draw, and I {hall follow faft : Tho' falln , and fainting now, a little fpace Shall make me out-ftrip the Winds impetuous race. Nor fliall you Violence need to force me on, Free and unurgd. Til clofe behind you run. As, -when at your command the Net levas cafi^ The willing Fijh lea^t in mth eager hafte ; And, unconcerned, their own deflruEtion fought^ So much, 'twas their amkition to be caught.

Pleafure and Senfe do all Mankind mifguide, Some by their Byes, fome by their Ears are ty'd.

Ifeek

("5)

1 feek not, Lord^ my Eyes or Ears to pleafe, 111 Arabian Sweets fute beft with my DIfiafe, Thy Trejfes of the balmy S^iknard fmell. And from thy Head the richeft Ojls diftiJl. Choice'/r^^J^^^f iVf ;?? j from thy lov'd Temples floW, And on thy Lij^s eternal Rofes grow. Thou breath ft the Odors of the fficy Eaft, In Mjrrhy Dew thy fragrant ^^r^j aredreft. Thy IvVy Neck^ fweats richeft Frankincenfe, And evrj part does foine r^r^ /r^«/^ difpence. Whatever Perfumes in the vaft ^or/^ are found, In a rich Compound mix'd, in Thee abound. Juft fuch a noble fmell, and rich Perfume ^

Was ^t of old fiird the blefi Virgins Room^ V

When Thou, the Flowr <?f Jefle, begah'ft to blootti. 3

Oh ! might this Odor blefs my longing Senfe, How wou'd it cure my feeble Impotence ! 1 foon fliou'd conquer all my languifhment, And iwiftly follow the attraSlivefcent^ And my Companionsi^t lamecourfe won d move, A s the whole floe k^w aits on tWanointed Dove, ■

Gilbert, in Cant. Hom .18.

Love // a Cord that holds f aft, and draws affe^imate-^ ly, Tvhofe words arefo many allurements. Nething holds f after than the band of LoY^; nothing attra^s more power fully,

I 2 IX. 0 thiit

(ii6)

Suchd t^c hTaSbctfmv7fia/icrw/icn I

ydlshcni/driei-h ciesjiiscd. Cant. S.i. ' ^ _^ p.itf.

(ii7)

IX.

0 that thou wert ^ my Brother^ that fucked, the breajls of my Mother ; when I Jhould find thee without ^ I would kifs thee, yet I jhould 9i0t be defpifedy Cant. viij.

I

WH O will enoble my unworthy Race, And Thy great name among their numbers Nor wifh I this to raife my Pedigree, (place ?

Contented with my mean Ohfcurity. Vet, tho' my Blood wou d be a (lain to Thlne^ Still I muft wifh we had one Parent-line. Nor wou d I have thee grown to thofe brisk years When firft the gentle budding Down appears. But ftill an Infant, hanging on the Breaft, The fame which I before have often, preft : A Brother fuch wou'd my Ambition chufe, l{ Elder, I thy converfe mufl refufe. My Life I be bom again, and let me lee. Dear Child, thofe happy Cradles, bleft by Thee. Children have pretty, pleafant, charming Arts, Above the flder firt^ to win our Hearts »

I 3 An4

(ii8)

And tho' each Age wou'd its own merit prove, C hi Mhood IS {{ill moll: prevalent in Love: Ev n he who tames the world, tho' cahn and mild His Face appear — ev'n Love himfelf's a chl/d. Wer't thou a Boy, dreft in thy infant charms Unblam'd, I'd clalp theeclofely in my Arms. My Life ! be born again, and let me fee, Dear Child, Thofe happy Cradles, bled by Thee: Then I fhou'd have Thee to my felf alone, Norblam'd, norcenfur'd if 1113^ Love were known. My Arms all day ihoiiM bear thy grateful weight, And be thy fafe enclofure all the night. When thy foft Cheeks or ruddy Lips I'd kifs, Ko fear or /hame fliou'd interrupt the Wifs i For none a Sifters kindjiefs can upbraid. At leaft when to an Infant-Brother paid : And tho' on thy foft Lips long time Td dwell, Sure a chafte kifs can never be but rvelL O that you d hear, ye gentle Pow'rs above. And to my Brother thus transform my Love ! That thou, myDe^, my Brother woud'll: become. Dear as the OfF-fpring of my Parents JVomb. Then all my Vows, then all my Thanks Td pay, Blefs the glad change, and hail the welcom Bay. What wou d I do to make my tranfport known ? What wou'd, I do i vA\^i\NO\idil leave undortef

How

("9)

How oft wou'd I, byftealth, ev'n rohen forbid^ Sund all night Gentry by the Cradl^^Ade ? How num'rous fhou'd my fervices become ? Ev'n till, perhaps you thought em troublefbm : For when my Mother took thee from the breail, Aiy arms fhou'd with the next remove be bleft : Or if fhee d have thee bom to take the Air, I'd dill my felf the grateful burthen bear. Or wou d fhe have thee in the Cradle lie, Sing thee to fleep, arid'then fit watching by : If fhe to take the lavd employment went My eager hafie fhou d her dejtgn prevent : But when fhe fhou d intruft thee to my care, And going forth, leave me to tend mj Dear ; How great wou d be the pleafure of my charge ? How wou d I then indulge ray felf at large ? Thy Mantle foon I foftly wou'd remove. Eager t'enjoy the obje6l of my Love 5 And, favoured by the moft commodious light, Feaft on thy lovely face my longing fight. Thy head fhou'd on my left-hand gently reft. While with my right I clafpt thee to my brcafl 5 And then fo lightly I w^ou'd fteal a kifs^ It fhoud not interrupt thy Jleepng blifs. Then, Dear^ bepleas'd sifecond Birth t'allow. That on thy Chffkj my lips may pay their vow,^

1 4 fitii

<I2o)

^^d as thy growth renders thy Organs ftrong. And thou beginn'ft to ufe thy loofiied tongue j Then thou, rny Love^ fhalt my fmall Pupil be, And. as Ifpeal^ fhalt ftammer after me : And when thou doft the help of Arms refufe, And dar'fl attempt th' alTifting JVand to ufe, ni teach thee fafely how to praunce along, And keep thy nimble Footfteps firm and ftrong : And if fome naughty Stone offend thy Feet, My ready Arms their ftumbliftg Charge fhall meet $ Pl eas'd with ^fie^uent Opj^ort unity Of thus receiving and embracing Thee : Nor fhall I any Recommence regard, Thepleafing Service is its own ReTvard,

Bonavent.

Bonavent. Soliloq. cap. i.

I was ignorant^ 0 fweet Jefu^ that thy Embraces were fa pleafait^ thy Touch fa delightful^ thy Ctn^erfa^ tion fo dwerting , for when I touch Thee, lamch^Ln j whenI:cccivQ Thee, I am dWivgin,

X. By

fl52)

^^y^^hlm 77iy l^cdjs^tt^ht /iwi 7irhcm ^jr SiTjil /^'k'fAl^t^/it hwt^ hut £ fr^ifid him nh^.tanh.^.t.

(I2J)

X.

By night on my Bedy I fought him whom my Soul lovethy I fought htm^ but I found him not^ Cant. iij. i.

I Treat not of inferior' mortal fires. But chafiefi Jtghs, and more fMme dejlres j As Bodies, fo the Minds their flames receive. But ftill the groffer for the Bodies leave. The generous Fire that warms the Soul, does prove And that alone, the pleaiing Charms of Love. What nobler flames the lofty Minds infpire \ Hovvr are they rais d to more reiin'd defire ! In what Divine Embraces do they join ! What holy Hands their mutual Contra6h fign \ How dear the Joys of that chad Genial Bed ! With what tinfpeakable Delights 'tis fpread ! Where the pleas'd Soul m her Beloveds Arms, And he in hers, gaze on each others Charms. The Bed on which fuch happy lovers reft, Is dofwny peace in its orvn quiet blefi.

( 1 24 )

Here I was wont, when care drove deep away; Pregnant with thought, to watch the dawning day] Here the dear He that ftole my Virgin-heart Did oft to me his Bofom-cures impart. Then, then a Sacred flame my Soul pofleft. And no leis heat reign d in his amorous bread : Then filent Love did all our Thoughts imploy Tho* dumb, our Eyes difcours'd in Tears of Joy. But novp^ nor know I why, my Love's eilrang'd, I fear fbme fault of mine his Mind has chang'd : For, a whole day he has not blell my fight, Nor ( Tvhlch he ever us'd) retufn'd at night. Or has the faithlefs fickle Charmer fled, Or for another left my Widow'd Bed ? How fadly I in Tears and Difcontent The tedious Night of his griev d abfence fpent i Twas now the dead low ebb of deepeft Night, And gentle fleep had lock'd my drowfy Sight. When a loud^^oicefurpriz'd my tremWing Ear, And caird, Rife-,flfiggard^ fee your Love's not here. Straight I awake, and rub my fleepy eyes, Then the forfaken Houfe I fill with aies : Sleep'fl thou, mj Love ? but anfwer I had nonq, For He^ (alas ! ) to whom I fpoke, vjzsgone. Soon with a lighted Torch his fteps I trace. And wifh I ne'er had feen them nor his Face.

Ther>

(I20

Then on the guiltlefs Bed begin t'exclaini,

Ask where my Love is, and it's filence blame,

Diflrafted then I fearch the Chamber round.

But what I fought was no where to be found.

What Tumults then were rais'd within my bread.

Who once on Peaces downy Bed did reft ?

What raging ftorms then toft my troubled mind,

Unus'd to Tempefts of fo fieixe a kind '.

With pain my heavy Eyes to Heav n I raile.

And fcarce my Lips can open in its praife 5

My former ftrength in (acred Conflifts fails.

And what was once rnj /portj my Soul bewails:

For while fuccels aow n'd my untroubled head.

On Goldea Peace I made my eafie Bed :

Then, like a hoafting Soldier, raw and ypung.

Who always is viftorious with his tongue,

I wiih'd to exercife ibme Tyrants rage.

Or in fome glorious hazard I'd engage.

So warm a heat within my blood did play.

While on the eafie Bed of Peace I lay :

But when this hat forfook me with my Loz'e,

Colder than Scythian Frofis my Blood did prove.

So FioTp'rs, which gentle Zephyrs kindly rear.

Nipt by cold Frofis, decay and dilappear :

So Lamps bum bright, while Oyl maintains their fire.

But as rW ceafe?, languifh and expire.

Absl

(I26)

Alas ! my Love^ I fought thee in my Bed, Who on the Crofs hadft laid thy weary head : Feace was my Bed, while the curft Crofs was 7%he, I fliou*dhave fbnght Thee by that fatal fign. Much time I loft in feeking thee around, But fought thee where thou wert not to be found.

Greg,

(l27)

Greg, in Ezek. Horn. 19.

Then rve may be faid to fee\oHr Be- lo'z/ed in Bed^ when being amnfed with any little fort of a Rejiin this prefent Life^ Tve yet ftgh after our Redeemer. We feel{him in the Nighty becanfetho then the Soul is wahjng^ yet the Eye is fiill in darhpefs.

XL IrviU

(128)

Jrm// rue arid ^a oL-oiit i/ic^ City tn i/ic Si^cclS ^ and ifi f/m Ir^c^ad 7i\iyj^ T 7vill Sl'cL hini 7i'/ic77t 77iy Send lcn:ct/i;Tj(nt^^t him I'utJfcriind /lim Ticrt. C^ant. ? . z-.

( »29)

XI.

/ Will rife^ andgo about the Citj in theJIreetSy and in the hroad ways Imllftekhim rvhom my Soulloveth : I fought him^ but I found him not y Cant. iij. 2.

AT laft, tho' Ute^ my Error does appear, Had Ifearch'd roe II I fure hzA found my Dear, I thought him wrapt in fofc repofe, in Bed^ Ealing \i\s troubled breafl^ and weary He ad -^ But there (alas I ) my Love I cou'd not find, A harder Lodging was for him deiign'd.

Alas 1 my Life, alas ! what fliall I do ? How can I reft or fleep depriv'd oCToh ? No, tho' a thoufand Rivers murmVing noiie Shou'd court me to it with one lulling voice \ Nor tho' as many whifpVing Gro-ues confpire, And join the Mufick of their feather d ^ire, " Scarce clofe my weary Eyes, with Cares oppr6ft> When Sorrow ruflies in, and breaks my reft, ^ My Eyes, my Thoughts no Night admit, but when I tolTing lie, -each tedigus hour feems ten

• K *f

(IJO)

If ever flecp indulge my mifery,' My (leffing thoughts 2LKt all imploy'd on Theei Why then fhou d wretched I feek reft in vain, Since deep (b oft denies to eaie my pain ?

My Bed I quit, and ranging all the Town, Remove as Chance or Reafon leads me on : Each Corner fearch, and hope in each to find The dearefi OhjeFl of my Eyes and Mittd : No place efcapes me, none fo private lies, To cheat th'enquiry of my cttriom Eyes. The eager Hound thuscloic his Game purfucs j While the rvarmfcent dire6ls his ready Nofe : Thro' Woods and Thickets,Bri'rs and Thorns he runs, No danger dreads, or inconvenience fliuns. Thus once the weeping Afagdalen did roam To find her Lordy vA^n mifling in his Toml?. What that denies, fhe hopes tlie City yields s But there not found, {lie feeks him in the Fields ^ No MantinAsl(dy no VI ace unfe arched, remained. Till the dear Treasure which Qxtfiagk wsiSgairPd: Thus the griev*d Dam for her robb'd Nefi complains. And fills the Foreft with her mournful ftrains ; About the Tree enrag'd fhe flies, and now Lights on the top, thenonfomeunda-boiigh.

And

And to her Fellow fadly does relate

Th' injurious fieairh, and her fofi Off -firings T»ite.

Thus have I fearch'd thro' ev'ry iVdp^ and Street^

But what \ fought (alas ') I cou'd not meet.

Bale '^alhs ! and hateful Streets ! whole ev'ry Road

My weary feet fo oft in vain liave trod !

I mill mj Love in Bed, and fought him he-re y

But fought amifs^ and ftill muft want my Bear.

Amb. deVirg. lib. 3.

Chrlfi is not found in the Courts nor in the Streets I

Chrift- is no freciuenter of the Courts, Chrifl is Peace, in the Courts are Contentions : Chrlfi is Juftice, in the Courts is Iniquity, &c. Let us jhun the Courts, let hs avouLthe Streets.

K 2 XII. Srfr,

(I32)

n^as hutliltic that {jmsi frwifhc7ii^ hull p7iind hiin irhcnii 7ny /crid Icfclh;! held /am and ii'^c^dd nctlcldiwi nc. /faiihj. j.^

(tsO

XIL

Sai9 )Oii l.im rv'hom my Soul loveth ? It tvof, hut a little that I paji from thtm^ hut I found him whom my Soul hvtth : I held him^and woiid not kt him' ^^^Cant.iij .3,4,

IS there a Comer left in all the Town, Which in my weary fearch I have not known ? With flaming Torches every Street was Light, Kor did I ev'n the meanefi Allies flight. ALis ! what ground did I not travel o'er. Till e'ven the City had not any more ? But why fhou'd I thisfruitlefs ro// approve. Since all my fee king does net find my Loz'e /* Then, hopehfs, back my pendve courfe I fteer'd, Kut flill no tidings of my Lo.ver heard 3 WhjSnIatlaft approached the City- gate, Where a (b:cngGffard'm conftant Watch did wait: Said I, PerJjjps my Lvue is hidden here : And then I ask'd them if they [nw my Dear ? Tljey laugh'd, and my enquiry did deride, Afid -ppysyctir Love f one of the Gentries cry'd '-

K 3 ^-i*

(i?4)

Has he no name hy vphich he may be hnoren ? How can we tell^ fince yon havegivn us none f Exciife, faid /, my rude fimplicity, I thought him known to all the Worlds as me : And that our Love, fo much the talk of Fame, Had made it needlefs to declare his Name 5 And tho' you woir'd pretend this ign'rance now, Vm confident you cannot chufe but know : Then pray be pleas'd in earneft to declare If you have feen him lately pafTmg here : Him, whom above my Life I dearly prize, And him who loves me more than his own Eyes ? Say, when he went^ what ^ ay he made with yoUy And whether he pretended he wou'dgo ? Unto the Right or Left-hand is he gone ? Or had he Company, of was K alone f The fportful Watch, regardlefs of my cares, Anfwer with laughter, and deride my tears. From them I go, hopelels my Love to find, While Tides of Grief overwhelmed my finking mind. But while my.Soul fuch painful Thoughts imploy, ( Nor dar'd I let it hope fo vaft a Joy : ) Aly Love, the fame I fought the C/r; round. Now, unexfeBedsLTidunfoughti was found,

Lofc

Loft between '^oy and Tear in the furprize, I durft not well give credit to my Eyes. And have I thee again ? I tvoudhdiNQ cry'd, Butas Iftrove, my faultring tongue deny'd. As when fome mournful Wife fees by her bed Her Husband long by fame reported dead j Amaz d to meet what fhe had giv n for loft. She flies his Arms, and takes him for a Ghoft : Nor dares, till his kytotvn voice the Truth affure, The fight of what fhe moft defires, endure : And ftill fhe fears leaft fhe too eajte prove, Betray d to this credtdity by Lcrue. Thus while I trembhng ftand, again I try ; Again my Life filutes my joyful Eye. TofsM between Doubt ^^vA Hope.znd Zot'^,and Fear.- Are you my Love, I ay, or in his Shape appear ? Afy Dear I — ah no ! alas ! you are not He ; Yet fureyouare — Yes, yes, youai'e, I fee. My Love, my Life, I fee and know you now, My fecret Ecftacy diicovers you. Pleas'd with your voice, and ravifh'd with your Face. I fly uncaird to your bclov'd Embrace. Thus, thus 1 11 bind you to me, and prevent hfecond fearch, the Soldiers A^erriment. O that my Arms were Chains, and each part elfe. Feet, Hands and all, wQre Gives mdMma^les!

K 4 Then

Then with a triple band my Love Fd bind, Clofe as the Elm is by the Vine entwined ; The fhaky Ivy fhoud not clofer crawl About the Ruines of its dear-lov'd fTor//. And while my bufie hands your neck enclofe, Think that no burthen which their \(ind,ne[s fhows ! Remember, Love^ you have been abfent long, And Time that did it muft repair the wrong : But of the Recompence you foon complain, And eer my Joys^(?g/Ai, ^xtgone again. But ftay ! ah too unkind, ungrateful ! ftay ! Nor fliall you fly, unlefs you force your way.

la Bed*

('37)

Beda in Cant. cap. j.

When I had found him^ I held him fo much the f after ^ by haw nntch the longer I xpas in jinding him.

XIIL But

ri38)

3z/?- ilr^j^ecdrh^ mc fc held 771c

J^i^i

(M9)

XII I.

3ut it u good for me to hold tr^tfaji by God^ to pit my trtijl in the Lord Godj PIal.7 J. 27.

rHro' what ftrange turns of Fortune have I gone, Jufc as a BaU from hand to hand is thrown ? i^4rs loud allarms were firft my fole delight, Vnd hope ofG/orj led me out to fight: IrrKs raised my courage, y^rrfts were all my care, Vs if I had no other bus nefs here. 3ft with a SoKg I paft my tedious hour, Vhile I ftood Centrj on fome lofty TowV : 3ft I the Enemies intent betray 'd, \nd fhew d their motions by }htjigns I made.

learnt ^intrench a Camf^ and Bnlwarks rear, Vith all the cunning of an Engi^ieer,

e\'er forwaid was, and bold in fight,

\nd did to Aftion the faint Troops excite.

*v'one better underftood the Art of iVar,

s^one more the Soldiers or Commanders care :

)ft in the Lybian Defart did I fweat,

fir d with the Sand, and melted w ith the heat -.

Choali'd

(i4^)

Choak'd with the Duft, yet no kind Fountain nigh. The place as little tnoifture had as I.

How oft have I fwam mighty Rivers o er. With heavy Armour loaden, tir'd, and fore ? Andftill my Sword acrofs my mouth have laid: Whene er I did the adverfe dream invade. Thus long the Camp has had my Company, A Foot*man firft, then of the Cavalry, My Br e aft -^l ate has ten jfhots of Arrows born, Nor fewer Stroaks my batter'd Helmet torn. Thrice was my Horfe fhot under me, my Creft Four times ftruck olf, and I as oft diftreft. Yet boldly I expos'd my felf to harm, And in my Enmies hlood my hand was warm. But on my backj. didn© w^ounds receive, My ready breaft met all my Foes durft give : For boldly againft Fire and Svpord I ftood, And flights of Arrows which the Sky did cloud : On heads of Men, flain by mj Sword, I trod, And as I mov'd, my ways with Corps I ftrow'd But yet the Man that did thefe Conquefts gain, Cou*dnot, mtha/lhupow'r, his w//^ obtain 3 With all his Lawrels won, and Foes c'er-comcy E^s Crowns defcrvd, and Trofhics too' brought hor^e',

One

0?ie f4ult6\d all his former Triffwphshhd, And blotted out their memory at lad. The General cafhier'd me with a Word, And o'er my head broke mj once ufefnl Swora, And thus in fublicl^Scorn my Fame expired. With the dear purchafe o{ my ^/Wacquir'd, O my dear God ! had I born Arms for Theey Thy favour liad not thus deferted me. What Hopes are plac'd on Thee can never fail, IFirm as an Anchor fix'd within the ValL iBehind ihy Altar then TU lay my Armsy And bid a long adieu to JVars allarms. But foon my mind oi) Gain was all intent, Gain to my thoughts fuch fweetsdid reprefenc. A Ship I bought, wliich when I fraighted well. Abroad I ileer d, to pnr chafe and lofeU, In both the Indies I expos'd my Ware, No Tort wasknow^n but I had Trafick there 2 For ^owifmall Ventures^ la 'ze Acqulfis to gain> Was all the bufie Study of my brain. JVealth now came flowing in with fuch a Tide, tt wou'd not in my flralnd Che ft s abide. My Ships came loaden from the Indlan-^o^x ; But next return they perlfh'd at my door. My Books with Debtors names ftill larger grew ; But they for frvore^ and {o I loft my due.

Thus'

Thus Sxk^ made in the i>«<, does there decay, Thus where 'twas gain d, my Wealth all melts away!

How peaceful is the Man, and how fecure, Whom War did ne er delight^ nor Gain allnre ? No more {liall Gain my cheated fancy pleale, Thsit cinnot purchafe one Jhort mlrtHtes eafe. What fhall I do, iince my attempts are vain? In IVar^ no Fame-y in Trade, no Wealth \ gam. Then to the Court I haftily repair. My Fame as (bon finds kind reception there. I'm brought before the Khg^ and kils his Hand, He likes my Perfon, gives me a Command, Now grow^n his Favrlte, I have all his Ear 3 Whate'er I ^ea\^ he eagerly does hear : And to '/lew Honours does me dill advance. Not the effe6l o^ merit, but of chance. But, whether his mifiake, or my defert, I'm now indeared, and wound into his heart. Oft in dilcourfc we fpent the bufie day, And ne'er regarded how it pail away. Nay, without me, he wou'd not play nor e^t^ My frefence gave a relijh to his meet : ' No Favrite e^'er was dearer to his Prince ; No Prince fuch Favours ever did diipenfe.

Se]anm

(14?)

Scjarjpu rul'd not thus his Mailer's Heart 5 His wary Lord allowed him but a part : Nor Ci^tu's felf coud^r^^r^r Honours have, Tho* thQ fVorld's Conqfiror vvasalmoft his Slave, This nevp advancement pleas'd my thoughts, 'tis true, ( For there are fecret Charms in all things new. ) The Courtiers envy^ and the Crowds admire To fee the Kin^ w> Company defire. But, oh ! on Kings 'tis Folly to depend, Whofe FctpV, much more their Favours^ quickly end^ The King to Tr ovens does all his Smiles convert, And as he /^I'V, {o^hates^ tvithoHt defer t. His Favour fow'rs to Rage, and I am lent Far flrom my Native Soil to Banijhment, My fall to Hift'ry adds one Story more, A Story I for ever mud deplore. . Sejanus had not a feverer fate, Nor CAf/^'shappinels a fhorter date. O God ! how great is their fecurity, Whofe hopes and wiihes all are fix'd on thee <*

Aug. in PiaL 36.

For fake all other toves ; he is fairer who created He ana? and Earth,

XIV. I/ate

(»44)

I sate J^rn inn^c?^ /lU shadaiv^v/icin I

T.i^

(h?)

XIV.

Ifatt down under hisfhadow (jvhom I lovt£) mth great delight ^ Cant. iij. j.

IN a long journey to an unknown Clime, Much ground I travetd^ and confuryi'd much time ^ Tin weary grown, computing in my mind, I thought the lliorteft of my way behind. But when I better had furvey'd the race, I found there ftill remained the greater fpacc. Then my faint Limbs grew feeble with defpair, Difcourag'd at a journey falevere: With hands and eyes ere6l, I vent my grief To Heav n, in hope from thence to find relief.

Oh ! who will fhade me from \}^fcorchmg he^it f[ See on my head how the fierce Sun-beams beat i While by their fervor parch'd, the burning Sand Torments my Feet, and fcarce will let me ftand. Thin you I praife, dear Groves, and fhady Bowers. Bleft with cool Springs, and fweetrefrefliing Flow'rs.

L Th€W

(146)

Then wifii th expanded Poplar wou'd o'erfpread, Or leavy j^pple {hade my weary head.

The God whole aid I oft had fought before, As often found, now adds this favour more. Whither your haft defigns, fajs he^ I know 5 Know Tvhat you want, and how you want it too. I know you feek Jerufalem above, Thither your Hfe and your endeavours move : But with the tedious Filgrimage difmay d. Implore refrefhment from the Affle's fhade. See, fee, I come to bring your pains relief I 'B&ci'^xhmy Jhadow eafe your weary grief. Behold my Arms ftretch'd on the fatal Tree ! With thefe extci\ded boughs Til cover thee : Behold my hleedi?tgfeet^ tny gaping fide! In thefe free Coverts thou thy felf maift hide. This fhade will grant thee thy defir'd repole, *Thi6 Tree alone for that kind parpofe grows.

Thus fpoke the God, whofe favour thus expreft, Withflrength infpir'd my hmbs, with hope my breaft- I rais'd my eyes, and there my Love I fpy'd 5 But, oh ! my Love^ my Love was crucify 'd I O what a difinal Scene ( I all difmaid Cry'd out) prefents me this unnat'ral Shade.

What

(147)

What cdmfort can it yield to wretched mc^

While TlooH art hung on this accurfed Tree ?

Cnrs'dTr^^ / and more curs'd handhy which 'twas fet 1

The bloody ftains are reeking on it yet!

Yet this fair Tree proje6ls its fpreading Boughs,

And with kind cooHng Shades invites repofe :

But what it offers ftill it felf denies,

And more to tears thsjifleef inclines my Eyes.

Blefi free ! and ha^^y hand that fix'd thee here ! That hand deferves the Honour of a Star ! Now, now, ncy Love, I thy refemblance know. My cool, kind, ihady reddence below. As the large Apple fpreads its loaden Boughs, From whole rare Fruit a pleafing Liquor flows ; And, more than all its fellows of the Wood, Allows the weary refi^ the hungry food: Thus thou art. Lord, my Covert in the heat > My Brinkyihtn thirfty, and when hungry. Meat, How ofc, my Love, how oft with earned pray r. Have I invok'd thy Shade, to reft me there ? There penfive I'll bewail my wretched State, Like a lad Turtle widow'd of her Mate \ ril bath thy pale dead Lips in a warm flood. And from thy Locb TU wafh the clotted Blood :

Thy

( 148 )

Thy hanging head my hands fhall gently rai{e, And to my cheek I'll lay thy gory face ; Thy wounded fide with watry eyes Til view. And as thy bloody my tears fhall ever flow : Flow till my fight, by their kind flood relieved, With the fad Objeft be no longer griev'd.

Yet this one ivomd in me will many make, Till proftrate at thy feet my place I take : Then I'll embrace again the fatal Tree^ And write this fad Infcriftlon under thee: Tivo Lovers fee, nrho their own Deaths confplre ! She drowns in Tears, yphile He confumes in Fire.

Honoiius

(M9)

Honorius in cap. i. Cant, apud Delr.

Jjbadow is m.tde of a body and light ^ and ii the Travellers covert from the heat^ his froteBion from the Jtorw. The Tree of Life; to wity the Appk'TrQQy is the holy Crots ; its Fruit is Chrift, its fliadow the refrefhment ^W defence of Mankind,

L J XV. How

(i5o)

a shmnae LattcL. T^al. ??^-^ •

{VI

(x50

XV.

Hoivjha/ltve fing the Lords Song in afirange Land ? Pfal. cxxxvij. 4.

OH ! why, my Friends, am I dedr'd to fing ? How can I raife a mte^ or touch a firing f MufickjQc^vcQs a Soul to mirth inclin'd. And fympathizes with the troubled mind.

But you reply, Such feafons mofl require The kind diverlion of the warbling Lyre 3 When^r/V/ wou'd ftrikc you dumb, 'tis time to Jtng^ Then drain the voice^ and ftrike the tremblingy?r/;;g3 Leaft then the mind o'erwhelm'd in forrow lie. Too much intent on it own mifery.

You urge, thi? remedy will grief affwage. And with examples frove what you alledge. You fay, This tunes the weary Sailors note. While o'er long Seas their nimble Veffels ffoat : You fay, This makes the artflil Shepherd play, Whofe tuneful Pipes the tedious hours betray,

L 4 And

And that the Traveler's journey eafi'ft proves, li^jen to the mf^fick^ of his voice he moves. And Soldiers when with Night or Labour tir'd By finging, with new vigour are infpir'd. Ill not perverfly blame this art in them^ Nor th* inoffenfive policy condemn ; But know my tongue, long pra6lisd in complaint, Is skill'd in grief, in lamentations quaint. Scarce my loft skill cou'd I to pra6lice bring. And MfiJtck^ktXfx'A a ftrange unufual thing ; And as one blinded long, fcarce brooks the light, So pleafing Ayres my uncouth tongue affright. , When I my flighted Numbers wou'd retrieve. And make the (peaking Chords appear to live 3 When I wou'd raife the murmuring Viols voice, Or make the Lute in brisker founds rejoice 3 When on my Tii^e attempt a fliriller note, Or join my H^r/? in confbrt with my Throat i . My Voice (alas! ) in floods of tears is drown d. And boiftrous fighs difperfe the fainting found. Again X-ofing^ again X.oflay I try'd 3 Again my voice^ again my hAnd deny'd : Slow and unaftive by difufe fo long, Their Art's forgot both by my Hand and Tongue : ^nd now with thefe allays I try too late To mollifie my hard, my rigid Fate.

Grant

(i?0

Grant I excelTd in Mujlck^^ and in Song^ And warbled fwift Divifion with my Tongues Cou'd I with Ifraets fweeteft Singer vie, Or touch the Harp with move fuccefs than He z Will Mujick^or Complaint beft fuit my woe. Who never had more caufe to weep, than norv ? ^ But fbrrow has my tuneful Harp unftrung, And grief's become habitual to my Toi^ue : Nor do the place or time fuch mirth allow 5 But grant thej did, my firrows anfwer no, . For wou'd you have an exitd Stranger fing His CoHdtry Songs under a Foreign King ? Forbear ; my Fare and this loath' d place confpire To filence me^ and hinder your dejire. Tears drown my Eyes, exhaufted by my wrongs, Then, ah ! how am I fit for jocund Songs ? Harih Fortune's wounded Captive kindly fparcl My voice has loft its pleafing accents here. Sorrow dilbrders and diftorts my face, I canwot give my Songs their former grace. Should I begin to fing or play, 'twou'd be Some doleful Emblem of my mifery. My thoughts are all on my loft State intent, And clpfe Companions of my Banifhment. Then why am I defir'd to play or fing, (ftring?

Now grief has broke my voice, and (kckned evry

Ohi

Oh! my lov'd Country, when I think on ^^^f,' My Lute, my Voice, my Mind, all lole their harmony: But if to Thee I happily return, {mourn.

Then they fhall all rejoice, as much as now they

Aug.

Aug. Medit. cap. j 5.

0 that I could fay fnch things as tlje Hywn-fingwg Choire of Angels ! How willingly would I four forth my felf in thy praifes !

'A\

ECSTACIES

(i?0

Z chmy€jrciL O I)auah1xnfofj&ridalpri i/jZ-imJ-inA nvyliuoj^d, that you tell hinh tha,tTarrv Jich cfZov^. Caiit^.S

ECSTACIES

OF THE

ENAMOUR^D SOUL.

. £1^

BOOK the Third.

I.

I charge yoH^ 0 Djtughtcrs (j/Jerufakm, if yo!^ find my Etloz'td^ tfjAtyou ttll him th:it I am fick of Loue^ Cant, v.- 8;

BLeft Repaints in thofe bright Comts above Thofc Starry Temples ivherejca Sing <.^rA Lczc: Ey faaed Verfe I you adjure and bind, If by a happy chance my Love you find ; To him my Itrong, my reitlefs Pa'Tion bea'. And gently whiiper't in his facred Ear s Kow I each moment in foft Sighs expire^ And languifn in the FUmes of my Defire. How I am fccrch'd in Lovers fierce tornd Zurc^

As withering Flow rs before the raging Suh.

For

(158)

For icattering round his Darts, among the reft

He fhot himfelf into my love-fick breaft ;

Through blood and bones the fhaft like hghtning dole

And with ftrange infl'ence feiz'd my melting Soul :

Now in a flame unquenchable I bum,

And feel my breaft t'another t^^t/fa turn.

If a more full account he wou'd receive,

( For Lovers always are inquifitive : )

Tell him how pale, how languifhing I look,

And how I fainted when I wou d have fpoke.

If he enquires what pace my Feaver moves.

Oh ! tell him, I no Feaver feel, but Loves :

Or if he asks what danger of my death,

Tell him — I cou'd not tell, for want of breath.

Tell him no mefl&ge you from me relate.

But gafping founds, that fpoke approaching Fate.

Yet, if he queftions how in death I look.

Say how my Beauty has my face forfook.

Say how I'm ftrangely all transform'd with woe.

That he njy fuff 'rings and their caufe may know.

Tell him I lie (eizM with a deadly fwound,

A bloodlels Corps ftretch'd on the naked ground.

Tell him my eyes {wim round my ^z,z,y head^

And on my breaft my feeble hands are fpred.

The Coral of my Lips grows (ickly pale.

And on my Cheeks the withering Rofes fails

My

My Veins, tho'chaf'd, have loft their azure hue. And their decay fhevvs Nature filing too : Nor any figns exprefs remaining life, But the worfi fjmj^tQmSj fighs that vent my grief. And yet I cannot any reafon feign, Why, tho' fi'/jhurt, fo often I complain: Unlels fbme treach'rous Sigh unruly prove Betray my bliifliing Soul, and own 'tis Z/rve. This, this was fure mj forrows onlj caufei I lov^d^ yet hncTv not what a Lover was. This ftom my breaft extorted freq/ientjtghs. And preft the tears from my oerflavnng eyes. This was the caufe, that when I ftrove to ftame Remote Difcourfe^ it ended with his Name,

Oh I then

Tell the lovdOhjecl of my thought and eye. Howl iiis Martyr and his VlBim die. Diftill'd in Ijrves AlembicJ^^ I expire, Parch'd up, like Rofes, by too warm a fire ; Ordry'd, V^kt Lilies ^ which have long in vain Beggd the refreftiment of a gentle Rain. Tell Him, the catife of all my grief will prove, Without his help, my death 3 for, oh! 'tis LO VE^

Rupert, in Cant. TeU him. That I Am fuk of Lorue, through the great dejirs I have of feeing his face : I endure the rvearinefs of lije, and J can tardl) bear the delay of my prefent Exiie»

TI. St/)

(i6o)

^toAT mt Tvith-fiao-(nis, ccm^orbnLC- Tvidhcuppits, fori anvjict jfZai/t-

<i6i)

II.

Stay me with Flagons^ comfort me with Appks^ for I am ftck ofLove^ Cant. ij. 5 .

HOW ftrangeIy,Zw^,doft thou my willcontroul? Thou fleaftng Tyrant of my capiv'dSoHl! Oh I wou dft thou have thy welcom torments lafi Slacken their heat, for I confume toofafl. On other Hearts thy fiery Arrows fhow V, For mine (alas ! ) has now no room for more. O fpare thy own Artill'ry^ and my breath I For the next /haft comes wing'd with certain Death: Oh ! I am loft, and from my felf eftrangd, To Love, my voice 5 to Love, my b/ood is chang'ds From^^rf to ^art inlenfibly he ftole, Till the fly ConqfPror had fubdu'd the whole,

Alas I will no one pity my diftrefs ? Will neither Earth nor Heav'n afford redrels? Canft Thou, the Author of my miferies, Canlt Thon behold me with relcntlefs eyes?

M Obi

(l62)

Oh ! haftc, you bright Inhabitants above, My fellow-Patients in this charming Love , Rifle the G aniens, and difrobe the Fields, Bring all the Treafure Natures Store-houfe yields 5 Bind fragrant Rofe-buds to my Temples firft, Then with cool apples quench my fiery thirft. Thefe may allay the leaver of my Blood. Oh no I there's nothing, nothing does me good. Againft L(yves force what Salve can Rof^s make, Since ev n themfelves may hide the foisnons Snake ? And Apples fure can fmall afliftance give, In one of them thVld Serpent did deceive. O then ! to flacken this tormenting fire, The Rofe of Sharon only I defire : And for an Apple to afTwage my grief. Give it, oh ! give it from the Tree of Life t Then ftrow them gently on my Virgin-bed ! And as the withering Rofe declines its head, Compos'd to Death's long fleep my reft I'll take, T>ream of my Love, and iff his arms awake.

Giaen

( i6j )

GifleninCant.cap. 2^

// is certainly a good languijhment^ when the Difeafe is not to Death, hut Life^ that God may be glorifed by it : rvhen that Heat and Feaver does not proceed from a con fuming^ but rather from an imf raving fre.

M 2 III. My

( i64 )

xJh'3cl<TuediJ mine, and I am hi/;

Lane. 2 . Lo.

J?. 1^4-.

(1^5)

II r.

My Beloved U mine^ andldtn his ; heftedeth among the Lilies^ Cant, ij, i6.

BLeft fouls, whofe hearts bum \^^th fuch equal fire^ As never, but together j will expire ! To jour content I wou*'d not Crowns prefer. For all He.tvns Blejftngs are dilated there : And when with equal fiames two Souls engage, That happy minute is Loves golden Age, Such blifs I wifh'd, when Love at firft pofleft, And (pread his Enfigns o'er my trembling bread : How oft I pray'd, whene'er in Love I burn. Grant me, great PowV, to find a juft return ! The God retum'd this ^»/b'^ to my fray r. Love firfi, and never then of Love defpair ! The fudden Sound invades my firightned eai\ I trembled when I knew the God was near> Is it thy Will, Almighty Love ( I cry'd ) To lift a Soldier, in thy Wars untry'd ? Tis true, my fellow-Maids have told me lon^ The promised Joys of thy adoring throng :

M 2 But

(i66)

But oft my Nnrfe^ acquainted with the cheat,

Told me, 'twas all delnjion aiid deceit j

And that the Oracle too true wou'd prove,

Which thus declar'd the ill effeEhs of Love :

" Num'rous as Athds Hares, or Hyhlas Swarms,

" Or Olive-berries on the loaden Tree,

" Or as the Shells, or Sands, arc Z(?^^'s allarms,

" Abounding dill with fear and mifery.

For ftill this fear the wretches entertain.

Left all their Love fhou'd meet unjuft Difdaln,

Ofhapffy Lovers no Records can boaft ,

Their blifs was cotinterfeit, orjhort at moft :

The airy God^s unfettled motion fhews

That Love's SiTide that always f^^/ and florvf.

Go then and truft thofc dying flames that will. Since Love's a rv^nd'rer and uncertain ftill. " Than his own fcatkers is he hghter far, *^ And all his promised Faith but empty air. By Oaths and Vms let no one be betray d^ which vanifh in the breath with which th'are made. His cheeks are with unufual blufhes dreft. And his quick flight, this mighty truth confeft ; And now his/r>?W, and treachery I knew, To all his powV I bid a laft adien.

To Thee^ thou heavn-born Love, my Soul 111 join, Be thoH my Ilamcy Dear Lord I and lU be thin€ !

While

(i<57)

While day and mght fuccefTively return.

Our mutual fires fhall never ceafe to bum.

O the fvveet balm diftilling from each Idfs !

How vaft the pleafure, how divine the bhfs !

What new delights from heavnly Love ftill flow,

They only, who enjoy the BldTmg, know.

But^ eh I to l$ve^ or to belovd of Thee^

Is the great mj/lVj of Felicity :

And, more t mhance and recommend the joy,

'Tisfuchas time does heighten., r\oi dcfiroy.

Mj Love^ my Life in Thee^Xl Hyblas Sweets,

In Tloee all Ophirs richefl; Treafure meets.

With what repeated Ecftacies pofTefc,

We vent our paiTions in each others breaft !

O how unfpeakable's the bhfs to me.

To lo(e my (d^ in thoughts of its Eternity !

This Love is fubje^l to no anxious cares.

Too hie fi for troubles J too fee ure for fears.

In Paradices of dehght it feeds,

Where whiteft LiHes deck th'enamelFd Meads :

Among which Emblems o^ o\}X pure defires,

Wc in chall: pleafures quench our mutual fires.

Bernard, in Cant. Serm. 7 1.

Thou voho hearefl^ or readefl this, take care to have the Lilies in thee, if thou wouldfi have this dweller anwng the Lilies vijit thee.

M 4 ly. i^

(168)

I am Tizy Behn/fdj', and. kij dejirc TyS tvivar-dd me. . Cant. ^ . lo .

T. 768.

(1^9)

IV.

/ am my Be/ovea^s^ and his defire is towards mey Cant. vij. lo.

THro' the thick fiudcs of a cool Cyfrefs Grove^ Weeping I wander'd to bewail my Love; A briny torrent rowl'd adown my bread. And weighty grief my finking Soul oppreft. In my fad Arms an Ivory Lute I bore, My forrows furc Phyfician heretofore. Tir'd with my grief, on a fbft Turf I refl:. And thus unload my over-burthen'd breaft

Muft I my days confume in lonefbm grief^ And cruel Love deny me all relief ? O let that curfe attend my Enemies, Be they flill Strangers to Love s envy'd Blifsl " For not to love^ is furely not to live^ *' Since Lifes chief blejfings we in Love receive : " The whole defign o^ living is to Icoje^ " And who Uvci, wofi, does hefi his life improve.

Bodies

Bodies of Earth down to their centre tend And Seeds of Fire to theirs above aicend. So our fofc hearts to Love are ftill inclin'd, Urg'd by a vilent impulfe of the mind. E vn mine too, kindled by an innate flatne, Is eager to deferve a Lovers name. But where fliall I my kindling Flames impart, Where yield the Virgin-fortrefs of my heart? Shall I defcend to a hw mortal iovcy I, the Companion ofhlefi Minds above? Or ihall I with inferiottr Creatures (port, Whom their Creator not difdains to court ? No, no, my Soul, fix thou thy thoughts on high s Thou haft no equal match beneath the Sky. My Hymen fhall no other Torches bear. Than what have each been lighted at a Star. Angels Jh all my EpithalamiumTw?^, CondnBing me in triumph to their King, Him^ Him alone of all I can approve The nobleft obje^l of the pureft Love. His dear-lov d Image ftill falutes my eye. Nor can his abfence this dehght deny. No envious diftance can prevail to part His dear refembling Imfrefs from my heart. With him, methinks, in fweet dilcourfe I walk, Pleas'd with the found of his imagin'd talk.

So,

(»70

So, byftrangefympathy, the faithful *S>^^/ Does the lov'd Poles magnetick influence feel. By whole kind condu6l the fafe Pjlot fteers A fteddy courfe, till the wiih'd Port appears. So the fond Hyacinth purfiies the Sun^ Fleas d at his rife, grlevd when his race is done : So is He waited en by the pale Moorty Who from his beams refleElion guilds her ^n. Like thefcy Almighty Love, to Thee I flie ; If thou withdraw'ft thy face, I pine, I die. O then J fince all my joys on that defend. Let the hlefl Vifion never never end I

The

(172)

The fame^ hy another Hand.

ACjfrefsGrcve (whofe melancholly fliade To fute the temper of the fad was made) I chofe for my retreat, there laid me down, Hoping my Sorrows in my Tears to drown : They vainly flowed 5 and now 0 erwhelm'd with grief> From Mujicks charming founds I fought relief. Tliis Song composed, I ftrike my Lyre, and fing, Soft Notes rebounding from each (ilver String. Ah ! fhall my wafted days no paffion aown 5 And muft my empty years roul ufelefs on ! So hard a fate I'd wifh my greateft foes j He lives not, who the flames of Love ne'er knows: Stupid his Soul lies hid in darkeft night. Who is not chear'd with Loves tranfpiercing light : He bears no Image of the God above, Whole icy breaft s infenfible to Love. The pond'rous Earth, by^ts proper weight depreft. Beneath all other Elements doth reft 5 While pointed Flames do thro' the (olid mais Force their bright way, and unrelifted pais : So thro' the folid lump of Man, the Soul Sends forth thofe fires that all the frame controul ;

And

And his defires do hurry him away, Where-e'er thofe fkmes dire^l th obedient Cky. And now I feel an unknown ivarmth all o'er 5 I bum, I melt, hut know not from what Powr : Thcfs f^arp quicks fires ai'e urg'd thro^ ev^ry vein, Mingling at once fuch Pieafure and fuch Pain, Ah ! whither will this furious pafTion drive ? ( In vain againfl Loz'e's raging force we drive. ) shall mji ajpiring Soul^ Hke vulgar hearts^ Complain o^Jhameful wounds from Cupcts Dnrts f If I fhou'd be embraced by mortal arms, They'd fade my Beauties, fully all my Charms : My rifmg Mind fon^rs vaft degrees above Terreflrial Charms ^ they're much beneath my Love : Thefe^Ao// defires my p»r^*$(3;//diiclains; She'll be His S^cufe who evry Being frames, ^gneSy oi Rome the wonder and the fride^ -j

Her Ch^.rms to an Aufonian Tomh deny'd^ J

And in thefe terms refused to be his Bride : ^

" If I have Idndled iii-es v/ithin your breall, " I c?.nnot grant, hut pity your requefc : " Nor can you juftly my refulal blame, ''■ Since 1 bum with a much diviner fame ; " For my Creator hath engag'd my heart, ^ My Soul from fuch a Spoufe can ne'er depait :

Kis

(174)

«e His lovely Image ftill is in my fight,

" And at this diflance Hes my file delight.:

" In abfence we converfe j I ipeak in Pray rs,

" And he in abfence charms my liftning ears.

So by the Loadfiones unfeen wondrous force

The faithful Needle fleers the Seamans courfe:

Tow'rds its lov d North it conftantly doth rife,

Guiding their fecret Courfe, where-e*er it lies.

So does the Flow'r of Phoebm twice a day

Turn towVds her Snn^ and her glad leaves difplay.

Fair Cynthia thus regards her Brothers Beams,

Renews her Beauty from his borrowed fiames,

I am thy Clytie ( Spoufe ) thou art my Sm^

I Cynthia^ always tow'rds thy light mufl run.

My Sfoufi^ my Helice, with longing I /^j^^

( Where-e'er thou draw'ftj tow'rds thee in raptures

What wonder if in mutual Love ^<? burn.

Since Steel can tow'rds the fenfelefs Loadftone turn ?

Bernard.

(170

Bernard. Medit. cap. 9.

My Heart pajfes through many things^ feehfng about where it may tah^ its reji 5 but finds nothing that pleafes it^ till it returns to God,

V. My

< ^76)

^Uy SoiiL nidJletL a^ my 3^z Loz^ed Spcrkxj CaJit^^. 6".

('77)

V.

My Soulmtlttd as mj Be/oved fpoh. Cant. V. 6.

WHat hiUsy what rocks^wliit de farts have I trod. Only for one fhort view o^Thee^ my God ? How for one word from thofe dear Lips of Holne^ My feet a tirefbm Pilgriirage injoin ! O'er craggy Rocks of fuch ftupendious height, Th'afcent does ev'n the chmbing Deer afright : Tet cannct my unwearied hafte delay ^ Tor mighty Love coYiduils me all the voay. Tho' from thefe heights I all thwgs elfe defcr}% The dear-lovd Oh]eEh ihuns my longing eye. Diftracled then, thro' cv'ry Den I rave. Search each Recefs, and viflt evVy Cfave. In vain thole unfrequented paths I wear, 1 only find thou art a Stranger there. Sometimes into the open Plain I rove. But there am loft in Tirror as in Love. To Heav n I look, and thro' the Fields complain, . But both unkindly anfvvcr not again.

N ' Wandring

(178)

Wandring fl'om thence I find a Jhady Vah\

There on mj Love (but Hill in vain) 1 call.

Not far from henee a clofe thickjCovert grows,

Where panting Breads fly for a cool repofe :

Here, here, (aid I, perhaps He's laid to reft j

But, oh ! no fign of Thee was here impreil.

Then, ftung with palTion, and o'ervvhelin d with grief,

I coaft the Shoar^ and thence expe6l relief.

Here a hi^hTorfi'r exalts its lofty head,

By whofe kind light the wandring Sailor's led :

Here I afcend, and view the Ocean round.

While my complaints o'er all the Shoar refound :

Tell me, yon Shoar s^ jou Seas^ and tell me true,

Js not my Love conceard in fome o^Tou ?

As to each other j'o/^ wou'dconfiant be^

jyifcover^ and be juft to Love and me !

Scarce had tliie Shoar received the mournful noife,

When it return d a loud redoubled voice :

But that fome fporting Eccho I believe.

That fools the wretch'd, and dallies with their grief

Again the Shoar I rends the Shoar does hear,

And xhcklnd voice again falutes my ear :

Avoice^ ^ well-known voice ! "tw^sThine, my Life,

Whofe pleajtng accents foon difpell'd my grief.

Now I reviv'd : One fuch immortal breath

Had powV enough to refcue rue from death,

Jhy

( 179)

Thy voice, like Lightning, unperceiv d, unfelr. By a ftrange infl ence thro' the Soul can melt. So thy Difclpies hearts were fir'd within, When on the way thou didfl difcourfe begin ; The fecret Charms of Thy prevailing voice Caus'd unaccountable, yet mighty Joys. 'Twas the fame heavnly found that anfwer'd me, And all diffolv'd me into Ecftacy. That kindled fuch a fire within my Soul, Whofe ardent heat an Ocean cannot cool. See how my melting pafTions haft and run, Like Virgin-wax before the fcorching Sun ! O might I be fo bleft to mix with Thee, Our Life the (ame, the fame our Love {hou d be.

Aug. Soliloq. cap. 34.

Pfijat is this thdt I feel i what fire is it that warms my hear0tiihat light is 'it that enlightens it ? O thoujitejMch always burnefl, and art never extinh guijhedi do thoH inflame me \

N z VI. Whom

(i8o)

"WhamTiave I in HeaireiL Tjittllise? and^i^fT tSno7i£ upanJE^artli-lhal

(i8i)

vi.

Who'*n have I in Heaven hut thee ? and there is none upon Earth that I defire in co-'rpa^ rifon of thee^ Pfal. Ixxiij. 2^.

W'Hat fiiall I feek, great God, in Heavrf above, OvEarth,or Sea, whereon to fix my love? Tho' I fhou'd ranfack Heav-/?, and Earth, and Sea, All they can boaft, is nothing wit ho fa Thee.

I know what mighty Joys in Iteav'n abound,

What Treafnres in the Earth and Sea are found 5

Vet without Thee, my Love I t'enrich their (lore.

All, 2l\1 their glories Qxe hut mean Sind poor,

O ^cavn ! O Earth I O vaft capacious Main !

Three famom Realms where Wealth and Plenty reign |

Tho' in o;?^ heap your /r/f /f fleafures lay,

jThey were no pleasures, were »?;• Xor^' away.

My ihoughts, I own, have ofcen fang'd the Deep,

SearchM Earth and HerrJ,!, and in no bounds wou'd keep ;

But when they vvandred the Creation round,

V e(iual Oo'icoh in the Whole the}' found.

N 3 Some-

(i80

Sometimes I thought to rip the pregnant Earth, And give its rich and long-born burthen birth j Gold^ Silver, Brafs J feeds of the {hining Vein, And each bright produ6t of the fertile Mine : For thefe we dig and tear our Mother s Womb, Till for our boundlefs Treafures we want room : To what advant^e ? Tho', o ercharg'd with Gold, Your burfting Coffers can't their burthen hold \ Yet this can ne er your troubled mind appeafe, Nor buy your forrows ev n a minutes eafe.

Here difappointed, to the T>ee^ I go, Whole fecret Chambers dusky Indians know. Pleas'd with its Gemmy ftore my felf to load, I dive, and vilit its concealed abode: Then t\iQfcarce Burret feek, whofe bloods rich dye" •; Is the great Ornament of Majefly. Then fcatter'd Pearls I gather on the fhoar Where rich Hjdafpes calls his fhining oar.

Alasl thefe Jewels brought from feveral CoaftiJ All that each River, or the Ocean boaftsj The Saphjr, Jafier, and the ChryfoUte, Can't quench my thirjl, or flay my appetite. Then, fince the Earth and Sea content deny, Heavns lofty Fabrick I refolve to try.

With

with wonHer I the vaft Machine fin-vey,

With glorious Stars all ftndded, bright and gay :

Amazd thck ft Hi unaiterd cenrfe I view,

And how their d^ily mot'mis they renew.

But among all the Penfile-fires above,

None warm'd my bread, none rais'd my Soul to lovii

But I beheld at diftdytce from below :

Then farewel Earthy up to their Orbs I go.

Now lefsning Cities leive my diftant fight.

And now the Earths whoie Globe is vanifli'd quite;

Above thfe Sun and Planets I am born,

And their inferior Influences fcorn.

Now the bright pavement of the Stars I tread.

Once the high covring of my humble head.

Now o'er the lofty flaming Wall I flie,

And Heavns bright Cofirt lies open to rny eye.

Now curious Crowds of the wing'd ^nre above'

Towards tlie ncw.gueft with dazling IpJendor move :

Hymns well compos'd to Ajrs Divine they fing,

New tune their Har^s^ and fcrue up ev'ry String s

Then in brisk Notes triumphant Anthems ^lay^

While Heavn refounds, as if 'twere Holy-daj.

Ogloriom A^anfions fill'd with Jhlning fire s ! O Ourts fir only for your Starry ^ires i

N 4 ^^y.

('84)

My ravifK*d Soul's in flrange amazement loft j Sure jfo delight is wanting on this Coafi. Ahi — Said I, ne delight was wanting here ? Yes, you want All-^, alas 1 you want mj Dear. Farewel you Stars^ and you bright Forms adieu j My bus'nels here was with my Love^ notjou. There's nothing good below without mj Love, Nor any thing worth a faint f^'i/h above.

One IVorld fubdu'd, the Conqiiror did deplore That Niggard Fate had not allovv dhim more: My vafter thoughts a thonf^nd Worlds defpife, Nor lole one wifh on fuch a worthlefsfriz^. Not aUthe Vniverfe from Pole to Pole, Heavn^ Earth, and Sea^ can fill my boundleis Soul. What neither Earth's wide limits can contain, Nor the large Empire of the fpreading Main 5 Nor Heavn, whofe vafler Globe does both inclofe j That's the fole ObjeH my Ambition knows. Till now, alas I my Soul at Jhadows caught, And always was deceivd'm what it fought : Thou, Lord, alone art Heavn, Earth, Sea, to me . ThoH, Lord, art All, all nothing without Ihee.

i»Ug,

Aug. Soliloq. cap. 20.

Whatever is contaimd within the campafs of Heanjeny is hentath the Soul of M&is^ which jvd^ma^de to enjoy the chieftfiCootl above'y iji rvhofe po^ijjion dom /| cm be

happy . ^*

VIL Wo

ri86)

JVff iJTnd, ihatlam conslraniedio

dnrell nritlh Vle/ech, aizdlo Jiaire

iTizy habitaium anzona the tciiis

^liP^-

(x87)

VII.

Vf^^o is me^ that I am conjiraincd to dwell with Mefech, and to have my habitation among the tents ^/Kedar ! .Pfal. cxx. 4.

STill does the Sun with ufual motion fleer The revolutions of the cirding Year ? Or Gibcons wondrons Solftice // renew d^ when at the mighty JofhuaV bec)^ heflcod? Or is his motion now grown Retrcgnde^ As when he turnd the Hebrew Dlaisjhade ? Why el(e fhou'd I, who now am paft the Age Allowed to tr€ad this Worlds unhappy Stage - Why fhou'd I be deny'd an Exit, now Tve phydmjp4rt, and have no more to do? Is thereon Earth a Blejfing to repair Th'injurious force of my detainer there ? How wofi'd I we/com any f^r ring death. To eafe me of the burthen ofn^y breath ? Byonefureftroke, kind Fate, my Sd:f I reprieve'- Tor^tis continual dying hereto Uve.

Here

(i88)

Here our chief Blifs is an uncertain joy. Which fwifc vicillitudes of ill deftroy : Juil as the Sun, who rifing bright and gay. In Clouds and Show'rs concludes the weeping day. So boiHerous gulls ofc tender FlovvVs invade. By tempting Winds too foon abroad betrayed.

HerCy envious of each others fettlementj All things contend each other to fu^fla?it. The fecond minute drives the firft arvajy Jnd Night'/ Impatient to fticcced the Day : The Ci-zger Summer thinks the Spring too long^ A?id Autumn/r^/"/ that Summer is not gone: But Autumn'/ [eljto Winter mufl give waj, Lejl Its cold F rolls oertake and funljh his delay.

Behold jon Sea^ hoivfmooth^ without a frown ? See^ while I fpeak^ how curfd^ how rough 'tis grown ? Zook^j howferenesthe Sky-, how calm the air ? Novp^ hark^^ It thunders round the Hemlfphere i This great unconflancy of humane State Corrupts each minute of our happy Fate. Bur, oh ! the vyorftof ills is ftill behind. The ravenous converle with our beaftly kind. Sure Nature fir/l In anger did Intend A plague of Monfters oer the world to fend 5

Tloen

(i89)

*rhen htoHght forth her fmfl hrutljh Ojf-^rhg Men, A»d ttirnd each houfe into a favage den. In this rapacious jpecies tpc may find All that's deftruclive in the preji;g kind ; Lion, Wolf, Tygei-, Bear, ^«^ Crocodile, Strong to devour^ arid cunning to beguile: Thefe Beafts are led to frey by appetite. And that once pleas' d, no more la blood delight 5 Bnt Man, /% //<?//, has An infatiate thirft^ And fi ill is ^eeneft when fo fuH to burfi. This raifes Frauds makes Treachery fine and gay, While banifh'd Juftice Hies difrob'd away : This fills che World with loud allarms of War, And turns t\\Q peaceful Plow-Jhare to a hoftile Spear. \\1io wou'd be flave to fuch a tyrant Life, Tliat llill engages him in Noife and Strife ? Long fince, alas ! I did my Years compleat, And ferv'd for freedom, ftill deny d by Fate. When I compute to what a price amount My mifpent days, Lm bankrupt in th'account. Oh ! what Ih-ange frenzy does thofe menpofiefs, Who rafhly deem long life a happinefs ^ They fure are Grangers to the Joys above. Who more than Home a wretched Fxile love. But Heavns remote, and its far-difiant bUfs Appears minute to cur miftaken Eyes,

Ah!

(i9o)

Ah ! vj^hy, my Country^ 5iit thou plac'd fb far, Thw^t I am ftilj a tedious wnffderer ?

Happier the Exiles of old Heathen Rome, Whom only Tiber did divide from home ! While to remoter bantfhment delign'd, A vaft Ahyfs 'twixt Heav'n and me I find. The Hebrew Jlaves were freed i'th' Jubilee 3 Unhappier Vafal ! I fliall ne'er be free. The fwift fore-runner of the vvelcom Spring Finds after Winter's cold a time to fing : She who did long in dark recefles lie. Now flies abroad and refalutes the Sky. But ftill I live excluded from above^ Deny'd the Obje^lof my Blifsand Love. Hafte, hade, mj God, and take me up toThee j There let me live, where I was made to be : Or if my Bodfs freedom's not defignM, So foon, at leaft, I will be there in mnd.

Aug,

090

Aug. Serm. 43,

There are two tormentors of the Soul, which do not torture it together^ but by turns \ their names are FQd.v and Grief: tVhen it is well with you^ you fear ; when ill, you grieve.

VIIL 0 wretcki

( 19^ )

r

O TirreleheiL tnaJL thati {rmJwhu JJudl dclurcT-mzefrcTirL thzJbo^ of ihu dealrLTR^rm y-24"

(193)

VIII.

0 wretched man that lam ! who [haH deliver me from the body ofthU death 1 Rom.vij.24rf

T "T THere are the loft delights for which IgrUve^ V V But which myforrorps never cair retrieve t

Such vaft delights but mention not the lofs^

Whofe fad remembrance is thy greateft crofss And Fate is kindeft when it robs us fb. To take away omfenfe offuffering too. On our firft Parents folly we exclaim, Asif7"/7(fjy only were, 2^ firft ^ tobhme: On Eve ^nd.AdAm we difcharge our rage. And thus exfofe our naked Parentage, Tho' thou who thy Fkft Parents doft condemn^, Thou ought'ft to blame thy felf as well as them. When Life at one rafh Caft was thrown away» Thou didft, as well as thy Forefather, flay. But I (alafs ! ) condemn not them alone. Nor while I mind their faU^ forget my own. With Eve I was confentingto the cheat. Imposed on Adam^ and hdpt him to eat.

Q Heme^

( 194)

Hence I my nakednefs gj\d/hame deriv d.

And skins of Bealh to cover hoth receiv'd :

Was from my forfeit Eden juftly driv'n.

The ctrrfe of Earth, and the contempt ofHeav'n.

Nor do I now th^general iofs bemoan 3

hiy griefs too little to bewail my own.

The tragick flory from my Birth Til take.

For early grief did my firll: filence break.

'Twas Jfiljs Month, the lovelieft of the Year,

( Tho' all my Life December did appear : )

The Tveenty-fevenxh 3 Oh ! had it been my lafl,

I had not mourn d, nor that made too much haftc.

That was the fatal day that gave me breath,

Which prov'd almoft my teeming Parent's death 3

And ////,- as then, to her ( alas ! ) IVe been

A true Benoni, not a Benjamin.

Xo fooner was I for the Cradle drefl.

But a ftrange horror all around pofleft 3

Who with one dire prophetickyoice prefage

Tli attending misries of my growing age.

why didft thou give me life, movQ fatal day

Than that which took th'^^gyptian Males away >

No more be numbred in the Calendar,

But in thy place let a large ^/cf appear I

Or if thou muft thy annual flation keep.

Let each hour thunder, and each minute iveep \

Let,

Let^ as on Cain, fom^ mark^hefix'don Thee, That giving Life, didfl worfethan mttrdtr me, NovV, Friends^ I find your fdtal Au^ry true 5 My yvoes each other, like my hours purfue. Hence the large fources of my tears arik:, KvA no dry minute wipes my flowing eyes. No fooner had I \di my chlldijh VUjSy The harr,deji fafil?}:es of my happiefi Days t Now part: a C/r//i, yet ilill in Judgment fo, I ihrdy'd fii'ft what I was not to know. And my iirft grief was to lament my Fate, And yet 'twas fetdom \ had time for that. My ftubborn Soul a long retiftance made, Impatient thus by Nature to be fway'd : Ofr ftrove to Heavn to raile its lofty flight, As oft fuppreft by its grofs Bodys weight : But what it ecu d not rcach^ its Qy^fftrfne ; Then a-y'd, Ah God ! and fhed a briny dew. Twice more it wou'd repeat the pleafing neile. But ftruggling fighs reftrain'd ch'imprifon d voicd. Such uire were felt in Bahe/s Monavchs breaft. When of his Throne and Nature dffpojOfell : But conquered Patience yields at la ft to Grief, And thus I ^.eiit my wo, and beg belief.

Blef^

(196)

BIcft Author of my Life, hear my comphine. And free this Captive from its loathM reftraint ! Speak but the word, thy Servant fhall be free! Thou mdd'fl me thus, O thus unbody me ! Or if thou wilt not this relief afford, Grant (bme kind Poifon , or fomc friendly Sword I Dying rd hug the Author of my Death, And beg his fardon with my lateft breath. But to fave man xh^ guilty fend {^^^m^ Difeafe ! Death in the moft affright ingJJgafe will pleafe. Were I to aft Perillus (corcbing Scene, I fiiou d rejoice to hear my felf complain. Oh Heav'n ! my fatience is o ercome hy grief I Is there above no (liccour, no relief? The mercy Death is all I thee implore : Lord ! grant it foon, left I blalpheme thy pow V. When for difpatch tormented wretches pray. No cruelty s fo barb rous ts delay. Why am I to this noifom Carcafe ty*d, Whole ftench is death in all its ghaftly pride ? Then fpeak^ the word, and I fhall foon be free ; Thm form'dft me thm^ O thns unbodyiwr /

Amb-

(197)

Amb. in Pfal. cxviij.

Harp does that Soul live, that is in- clofed in a coz^cring of E)eath ?

IX« lam

( 19? )

Jam in a{sb^aia?iirhc2?vccii in'c^ havina a. . Jejir'^c Utrh Jipclvedariiltc I'c ivtlh Cftrut.

(i99)

IX.

I am in a, Jlraight between tivo^ having a de* fire to be dijfolvedy and to be with Chrtjij Philip, i. 2^.

HOw fhall I do to fix my doubtful Love > Shall I remain below^ or foar above ? Here Earth detains me, and retards my flight ; There Heavn invites me to fublime delight : Heavn calls aloud, and bids me hafle away ; While Earth allures, and gently whifpers, ftaj I But hence thou fly Inchantrefs of my heart ] I'll breali thy fetters, and defpife thy art. Hafte, harte, kind Fate, unlock my Prifon door ! Were I released, how I aloft vvou'd foai* ? See, Utrdi my ftrugghng arms towVdsT'/?^^ are (enc. And ftrive to grafp thee in their wide extent. Oh ! had Ifowr to mount above the Pole^ And touch the Center oj my longing Soul I Tho' torn in funder by the flight I be, rd loofe one half, might t'other reach but Thee.

O 4 Bui

( 200 )

But thou above derid'ft my weak defigns,

And ftill oppofeft what thy word injoins.

Vainly I ^^^'what thou doft ftill deny^ \

And ftrctch my hands to reach what's placd too high.

Oft to my (dffalfe Ho^es ofThee I feign,

And think thou kindly com'ft to break my Chain.

Now, now, I cry, my Soul fhall foar above !

But this (alas ! ) was all difTembled Love.

Sure this belief (omt pity might obtain 5

Thou fhou'dft at leaft for this have broke my Chain.

But if Fm ftill confin'd, my Wings I'lJ try i

And if I fail, in great attempts Idle,

But fee! He comes, and as he ghdes along. He Reckons me, andfeems to fay, Come on. rJl rile, and flie into his lov'd embrace, Andfhatcha kifs, a thoufand, from his face. Now, now he's near, his facred Robe I touch. And I fhall gi'afp him at the next approach : But he (alas! ) has mock'd my vain delign, And fled thefe arms, thefe flighted arms of mine; For tho' the difcance ne'er fo little be. It feems t\i" Extremes of the vafl Globe to mc. Thus does my Love my longing tantallz^e^ And bids me /^//jor, while too ^^^i he flies.

Thus

(20l)

Thus fportlve Zoz/f delights in little cheats^ Which oft are puniihy \\\i\\fevrre deceits.

The World has an Original in me. To paint deludea Lovers mifery : And he who has his eape Fair betray'd. Finds all \i\sfalfhood with Urge Lifrefi piid. I ne er lufpefted thou cou'dil Eiithlefs be, But f.td experience has infbucled me.

As a chain'd Mafiiff, begging to be loore. With reftlefs clamours fills the deafned hoiife : But if deny'd, his teeth the Chain engage. And vent on that their inoffenfive rage : So I complain, petition to be freed. And humbly proftrate beg the help I mod. But when you frown, and my requeft deny, Deaf as the Rocks to my repeated cry 3 Then I againft my hated Clog exclaim. And on my Chain lay all the guilty blame. Thus grief pretends, by giving paiTion vent, To eafe the pain of my Imprilbnment. But I unjuftly blame the Chain alone. And fpare the cruel hand that tfd. it on. Well might the barbVous load of Chains I bear Become a Rencgado flave to wears

Bftt

^202)

But tvhy this harjh ill ufagCy Love^ to me,

JVhofe tvhole endeavour is to come to Thee ?

But when my Soul attempts that lofty flight,

Tis ftill fuppreft by a grofs bodies weight.

So {ixtji'omig Birds ^ by Nature wing d in vain,

Whom Iportful Boys with fcanty Threads reftrain s

When eager to retrieve their ;ui,tive air.

They rife a little height, and flutter there :

But having to theif utmoll: limits flown, (down.

The more they ftrive to mount, they fall the fafter

Each, tho' it fleeps in its young Tyrants breaft,

And is with Banquets from his lips careft j

Yet prizes more the fieedom of the JVood,

Than all the Dainties of its dear-bought food.

Could tears diiTolve my Chains, O with what eale

rd weep a Deluge for a quick releafe ?

But tears arc vain, reach. Lord ! thy hands to me,

And in return Pll ftretch my Chains to thee.

Thou, only thou canft loofe my bands j for none

Can take them olf, but he that put them on.

Chryfoft,

(203)

Chryfofl. hom. 55. ad pop. Antioch.

Ho:v long[fjA!l we he faflned here ? We ftkk to the Earthy and as if )ve [h oh U always live there^ rre wallow in the mire, God gave us Bodies of Earthy that we Jbould carry them to Heaven; not that we {hould by them del/afe our Souls to the Earth.

X. Brir^i

(204)

\^rm^ my/S^citlicut efw^ucii^ lAatl may

(2C5)

Brifsig mj Soul out of Prifony that I may fraife thy namt^ cxlij. 9.

IWho did once thro' Heav*ns wide Regioiis rove. Tree Deyil^n of thofe vaft Realms aboye \ Now to a narrow Dungeon am confin'd, A Cave that darkens and reftrains my mind. When firft my Soul put en its flefhly load, It was imprifbn^d in the dark abode ; My feet were fetters, my hands manacles^ My Jtnews chains, and all confiner/ient elfe ; My hones the bars of my loath'd Prifon-grate ; My tongne the turnkey, and my rnoHth thc^^^.

Why from my native ftation am I fent A Captive to this narrow tetjernent f How oft WQu'd I attempt Si/hameful flight. In Fire or fFater bid the World ^oi>^ night ? How oft have I their happy Fate admir'd. Who by the Sword or Poifon have expired ?

But

( 206 )

Bfft to gam Heav;i^ nve muft Heav'ns lelfure fldj Such rajh attcmj^ters have miftook^ the itvay. As only Heav:i our Beings did beflow^ Tis Heavnsfole right to countermand them too : And Tvhen to take rphat That fir si gave wefirive. We impoufiy encroach on Gods Prerogative 5 And on our Souls by this unlawful aEl^ In breaking Prisn vpc a new guilt contrdEi : while th'imfious courfie we tah^ to fet us free^ Betrays us to a greater flaverj. Had I fome winding Lab'rinth for my ^ajl^ I then might hop£ fin* freedom to prevail : But while imbodfd in this Flefh / //f , Heav'n muEt be the Deliverer^ not 1. Let the miftaken wretch his Pris n accufe, Which for his flight did no kind means refuie. Wou*d fome kind chink one heavenly Ray admit To blefs my Eyes, how wou'd I honour it? But while confin'd to this daik Cell I lie. My captive Soul can't reach its native Sky. Hercy even my will's a flave to Pajpons made, PaJJions which have its Liberty betray 'd. When pioully it is incHn'd to good, *Tis by repugnant Pajfions ftill withftood. 2r^/ir/ Ifrael in r/^'^Egyptian bondage far' d^ tVhilefrom the Service of their Goddebarrd-,

tVheff

(207)

PPijen to his ^or/kip they defir'd tog9^ The Tyrant Phar'oh abfvays anfwefd^ No. Oh my dear God ! vifit this humble Cell, And fee within what narrow Walls I dwell But if the Z^r;(;/, and^^r/, and Cr^t^rj afright. Command them all to of en at thy fight. Command them, Lord, to fet thy Servants free ; Nor will this deed wifhout example be : Angels have left their Thrones and Bllfs above. To ranfom thofe whom thou art pleas'd to love: Thus Peter did his op ning Prifon view. Vet (carcebeliev'd the Mlr^xle was true. But no fuch favour is induJg d to me, I want Calafs ! ) fuf:h happy Liberty. Gome, my dear Lord ! unlock my prifon Gate, And let my Soul tou Yd Heav n expatiate ? In triumph tho' thy Slave conducted be, ril blefs the Chains that bind me clofe to Thee.

To Thee my Hands are thro' the Grates addreilTi.

O that I cou d but follow with the reft ! .

The captive Bird ^hcut its Ct^e will Hy,

And the leaft way for its efcape efpy.

And with its Bill gnaws thro' the twiggy gra:e

A fecret paiTage to its f[r{{ fi-ee fiate,

Canftthou, my God I be deaf to alimycricS:

And more obdurate than m.y Frifor, is ?

^ Nor

(io8)

Nor for myfelf, but Thee do I complaitr, Thy. (acred praife, which Ivcoudjingy in vain; IcOTC here (alas! ) I cannot once rejoice. Nor touch my 7?r/^^/, norraife my tuneful voice. For Birds confind, to rage convert their Notes, QxfuRen grown, lock up their (ilent throats. Come then, my God^ unlock my Prifon-gate^ And let my Soul towVds Heav'n expatiate ! There my loud voice in joyful Notes lUraife, And iing Eternal Anthems to thy praile. But if thou wilt not thisrequeft allow. At thy own Glory thou mud envioia ^rcrv.

Greg.

(io9)

Greg, in cap. 7. Job.

Man is imprifonedj becaufe by pro^ci-^ ency in wrttte he often Jhri^es to rife on high^ but is k^pt down by the corruption of his flejh.

P XI. Hike

( 210)?»

I^iJ:c as th£lfa7^irJcs{iic7fkfhc rvatcr^-

(2II)

XI.

Like as the Hurt deftreth the water-hroohj [o longeth my Soul after thee, 0 God ! Plal* xlij. I.

LOrd ! woud'ft thou know my breads confuming And how I pine and languiih in defire ? n^^> The withering Vi'Iets no relemblance yield, Nor can I take it from the Sun-burnt Field 5 Nor by that heat can I exprefs my pain, That melts us in the^r; Bog-fiar's reign. The Lyhian Sands ^ where the Sun's warm falute With barren drouth deftroys all hope of fruit, Ev n they^ compared with me^ are moift and cflo/5 Such raging flames have feiz d my keEiick^SoHL But wou'dft thou have zn Emblem of my pains, \ Regard then how the wounded Hart complains. While in his fide th'envenom'd Arrow lies. His Bk>od boils over, and his Marrow fries: Thus thro' the Woods he takes a nimble flight, Till fame cool /?rf<«w3 falutes his diftant fight ;

P 2 Then

("2)

Then with redoubled fpeed he pants and brays. Till there his thlrfi 3indfeaver he allays. Thus, thus transfix d with an Infernal Dart^ I feel the poifon raging in my heart. Th'envenom'd blood with vi'lent fury burns, And to a thoufwd difF'rent tortpres turns. The Tyrant Lufl now thra my body reigns. And now Int em f ranee burfts my glutted veins. Now Pride's rank poifon fwells my heaving bread, And curs'd Ambition robs me of my reft. Oh ! from what ftream fliall I a Med cine find To eafe thele reftlefs torments of my mind ? Thou, thou, my God I alone canft eafe my grie^ From the fur e iVaters of the Well of Life, My panting Soul laments and pines for them, As the chas*d Hart for the refrcfhing/r^4w.

Shunning the quick-nos*d Hounds afrighting cries With timorous hade oft to the;;7o///he flies \ And when he finds himfelf too clofe befet. With aftive fpeed o'er-leaps th*extended Net : But hotly by hisnumVous Foes purfu'd. He feeks the fqccour of fome fheltring Wood i And pn his neck, left it retard his fpeed, Cafts back the ufelefs Armour of his head 2

Which^

("3)

JVhich^ fince he hoi not courage to emploj, ^JPfls his Fees its orpptter to deftroy. Sometimes he thinks the deep-mouth'd foe is near From ftrong impreifions of remaining fear : Again he (land*; and hftens for their cries, Then, almoftfpent, thro' the clofe Thickets fli^s To the clear Springs : And as he pants for them^ So pines mjf Soul for the Caleflial ftrcam • There he renews his ftrengthj and lays his heat, And row'ls and wantons in the cool retreat.

Lord ! lielts great Nimrod holds my Soulin chafe, T&Jhun Tphofe Hounds I fly from place to place ^ But clofely they my weary fieps purfue^ No means offttccour or efcape I view, Tird with my flighty and faint with conftant fweat^ I wijh to reft^ I wifh to lay my heat : But where^ O whtre can this refrefhment he ? 'Tis no where, Lord I 'tis no where but with Thcc IVith Thee an ever-bubbling Fountain flows ^ The reihedy of alt thy Ser'Vants woes : P leafing its tafte, itsvertue fanative ; Nor health alone, but endlefs Life 'twill ghc. Then tell not me c/Tagus Golden floods Whoje rswilng Sands raife a perpetual mud:

P 3 There

(214)

There 7^0/^W 1 drlnk^ irifatiatc till I hurfr^ Each greedy draught -xvond re-inflame my thirfi. No, to the pieafing ST^rmgs above Til go. The Springs that in the heavenly Canaan ^ott. My panting Soul laments and pines for them^ As the chas'd Hart for the VQ&Qfhingftream.

Cyril.

Cyril, in Joan. lib. 3. cap. 10.

// i^ an excdknt rvattr thdt allays theper^ niciousthirft of this Worlds and the heat

' off^ice; that rvafhes off all the fiainsof fw ; that waters and improves the Earth m which our Souls inhabit ; and reft ores the mind of Man^ that thirfts with an earneft desire after its God.

^-»<j---g'!q

P4 XII. When

, (2l6)

-J

Ji^ncm shall /came (arid avpca?^ h^^^c^ (pm, presence^ af6^ad^^sal.4.z:z ■

r.z4f.

(217)

xir.

When [ball I come and Appear before the pre - fence of God? Pfal. Ixij. 2.

w

Jlth promised Jojs my ears thou ofc did'ft fill,

But they are only Joys of Promife ftilL

Did'ft thou not fay thou fbon wou'dft call me hoinc?

Be juft, my Love, and kindly bid me come I

" Exfe^ing Lovers count each hour a day,

'' And death to them's lels dreadful than deld).

A tedious train of Months and Years is gone.

Since firft you bid me hofe, yet gave me none.

Why with delays doft thou abufe my love.

And fail my vain expectancies above ?

While taus th'infulting Crowd derides my woe,

Where's now your Loz-e ? how well he keeps his

Vow f Hajie then, and home thy long\'ig Laruer ta're ^ Jf not for mine, jet for thy promife fake,

WfeeH

When fhalllcome before thy Throne, and fee Thy glorious Scepter kindly ftretch'd to me ! For Thee I pine, for Thee I am undone, As drooping Flowrs that want their Parent Sun, O cruel tortVer of my wounded Soul, Grant me thy frefence^ and I fhall be -whole ! O when, thou Joy of all adnofeig eyes, When fhall I fee thee on thy Throne of hlifs ?

As when unwelcom Night begins its fway. And throws its fable mantle o er the day -, The withering glories of the Garden fade. And weeping Groves bewail their lonely fhade j To melancholly Silence Men retire. And no fweet Note founds from the feather'd ^ire: But hai*dly can the rifing Morn difplay The purple Enfigns of approaching day ; But the glad Gardens deck themfelves anew. And the cheer'd Groves fhake off their heavy Dew ; To daily Labour Man himfelf devotes. And Birds in Anthems fbrain their tuneful throats. So without T/^^e-, I grieve, I pine, I mourn 5 So triumph, fo revive at Thy return. But ThoHy unkind, bid'ft me delight my Eyes With other Beauties^ other Rarities,

Some-

(219)

Sometimes thou bid'ft me mark the flowery Field ; What various fcents and fhews the Medovs yield ; Then to the Stars thou doft direcl my (ight. For they from Thine derive their borrowed light. Then faift, Contemplate Man I in Him thou'lt fe» The great refemblance o£rhy Love and Afe. Why woudft thou thus deceive me with ay^^if, A trifling Image, that will quickly fade ? My fancy ftoops not to a mortal aim j Thou, thou haft kii^Jled, and muft quench my ftaTfte^

O glorious Face, worthy a Pow'r Divine, Where Loz'e and Awe with equal mixture ihine ! Triumphant Majefty of that bright Ray \Vhere bluihing Angels proftrate homage pay! We in thy Works thy fixM impreifions trace. Vet fHll but faint reflections of thy Face. When this inchanted Wtt/^s compar'd with TheCy Itsboafted Beauty % all deformity: Thy Stars no fuch tranlcending glories own As Thine, whofe light exceeds all theirs in one. This truth fbme one of them can beft declare. Who on the Mount thy bleft fpectators were: Who on Thy Glories were allow'd to gaze. And law Heavn op ned in Tffy reondrons Face,

Thy

( 220 )

Thy filming \^ifagc all the God confejl , (drc(^.

Inbeauttom Lambent Flames vtrere thy bright Temfles

Nor can we blame thy great A^o^le% Z^l, To whom thou did'rt that happy fight reveal ;• That flighting all before accounted dear, He was for Buildi/ig Tabernacles here. Yet he beheld Thee then within a Veil^ The killing Rays thou kindly did'ft conceal: He (aw a milder flame thy Face furroundj Thy Temples with rebated Glories a'own'd: As when the filver Moon's reflected Beams, In (bme clear Evening gild the fmihng Streams : Or cloud-born Lightning in its nimble Race Paints on a trembling Wave Heav*ns blufliing Face. How had he wondred at the nobler Lights Whole bare Reflection was fb heav nly bright? Bur, oh ! That\ inaccefTible to humane fight 1 Then me, oh ! me to that blefl fiate receive, Where I may fee thee all, and (eeing live ! When will that happy day of \^ifion be, 1

When I fhall make a near approach to Thee^ r

^e Tvrapt in Clouds^ and loft in Myftery ? J

Tis true, the Sacred Elements impart )

Thy virtual frefence to nay faithfpd heart j r

But to my fenfl: ftill tmrcvtaU thpu art. ^

Thisy

(221 )

Thisy tho' z great, is an imperfffl bllfs, T'embracc a Cloud for the bright God I wifh i My SohU more exalted fitch wou'd fly, And view 71?^^ in the heights of Mujefly.

Oh I when fhall I behold Thee all ferene^ Without one ^ifi'/o//j CUnd^ or f'W/ between? li^n diflant Faith yZ?^// in near Vifion ceafe^ ji'/tdjlill my LovQ /hall with nty Sight increafe ? That happy day dear as thefe Eyes Ihall be, And more than all the deareft things, but Thte.

Aug. in Pfal. 42.

If thou findeft any thing better than to behold the face of Gody hafle thee thither. Wo be to that love of thine ^ if thou dojl hut imagine anything mere beau- tiful than He, from whom all Beauty that delights thee is derived.

XIII. Othat

( 222 )

m^7il7i "-ciii^v ^7imy^ a fid I'c. ati^esf^.

(22?)

XIII.

0 that 1 f;ad the win^s of a. Dove ! for then I would fly arvajfj and he at re/?, Pfal. \\\ 6.

TH O' Great Creator I I receive from Thee All that I am, and all I hofe to be j Yet, might thy humble Clay expoftulate,

1 wou d complain of my defe^he fiate.

To Manth'aft given the boundlefs Regency Of three vaft Realms, the Ocean^ Earth, and Shy: But, oh j how fhall this ample PowV be try'd, V\'hen ftill the means to ufe it arc deny'd ?

Pardon my hafty cenfureof thy skilly Who tliink thy mighty W'ork defedive ftill ! Nor am I forward to correcl thy Art, By wifhing Man a Cafement in his Heart, M^hofe dark Recedes all the World might (ee 5 That projpecl juftly is referv'd for Tijee : But the defe<5l I mourn is greatrr far-y QtFins to cut the Waves, and Wings the Air.

InferUr

(l24)

Inferior Creatffres no perfe(5lion want.

To hinder their enjoyment o^Thy grant :

The fiaiy Race have nimble Fins allow'd.

With which they range about their native Flood :

And all the feather d Tenants of the Air,

feom up on tow'ring filings, expatiate there.

Thus ev'ry Creature finds a Ifiefi content

Adapted to its proper Element .-

Sut Man^ for the command of ^/ZdefignM,

Is fHU to One injurioufly confined j

While Nature often is extravagant,

And gives his Subje<5ls more than what they want.

Some of the watry kind, we know, am fly.

And viht, when they pleafe, the lofty Sky 5

And, in exchange, fome of the aery brood

Defcend, and turn bold Pirates in the Flood:

While ftill to Man Heav'n does all means deny

Toexercife hisW« Authority,

Ev n buzzing Infecis with light mngs are blefl.

In whofe fmall frame Heav'n has much art expreflf

But Man, the great, the noble Mafier-piece,

fVants a perfection that abounds in thefe.

Nay fbme, the meanefi of the feather d ki»d^

For neither profit nor delight defign'd,

Stretch their Dominions to a vaft extent,

Nor pleas'd with Two, range a third Element 3

Some-

(225)"

Sometimes on Earth they walk with flatelj pace. And fport and revel on the tender grafs 5 Then for the liquid fir earn exchange the /hoar^ And dally there as wanton as before : But wearied, the>ice their moiflned wings they rear, To take their wild drverfion in the Air. Sure thefe to rule the triple PVorld were fent. And dem^zo/i'd of everj Element : But Mayi, excluded both the Sea and Air, Can make fmall ufe of his Dominion there. Nor yet repine I that the Earth's aloiie Maris Element^ (ince I defire but One j My whole anthiticn'% to exchange my place- Tho' with the meaneft of the feathered Race. ; Grant me but mngs that I may nfwards foar, I rU forfeit them if e'er I covet more. *

Nor canft thou, Lord / my juft petition blame, When thou regard'ft the end of all my aim : The Miferies below, and Joys above^ KeciX^om hence, and /^iV/^^r point my love. Jhe Earth. ( alas I ) no fettled ft at ion hnvwsy So fafi the deluge of its ruine flows : Nnmherlefs trotdhles and calamities Jncreafethe Flood, too apt itfelfto rife. Tird rvith long flight, my rveary SohI can meet No friendly hough t9 entertain her feet,

Q^ Htre

(226)

Here t\o hlrfl fign of T^ ace or Plenty U j

All lie oervphelmd in the profound Abyfs^

O whither then Jhall I fir fafety go ?

Imufl not hope fi great a good (?elow%

Vainly to Honour or to Wealth I fly,

Thefe cannot he their own fecurity ;

Ji4y file defendance is the Sacred Ark,

There, there my Soul in fafity may embarque :

Thoufindfl /?fr thence, Lord^ call her home again.

And fl^r etch thy favouring hand to take her in I

But (he's (aLul ) too weak^ for fuch a flight.

Her flagging wings are baffled by its height.

TVoudft thou vouchfafe to imp them, Jhe woftdfly.

And brave the tow ring Monarch of the Sky i

Then /he woud hafte to her eternal Refl,

And build above the Clouds her lofty Neft- 5

There basking in thefplendor of thy Beams,

Be allimployd on bright Angelick^ Themes ;

In which ty adulterate World fhall have no parr^

That fly Debaucher of my wandring heart:

But in firaphick Flames for Thee III burn.

And never, never think of a return.

Amb.

(227)

Amb. Horn. 7.

Nothing c An fly hut what is pure^ l^gf^^y ^^^ f^htik^ and, whofe purity is not corrupted h intemperance^ nor its cheerfulnejs or (mftnefs retarded' by any might.

0^2 XIV. Ohowi

(228)

O hoTV amiable fare my Tale?^nacIeJ ,

T.z-i.^.

(229)

XIV.

0 how amUble are thy Tubtrnacks : thou LordofHoJls ! Pfal. Ixxxiv. i.

GReat Leader of the Starry Hofls that (land In fhining order on thy either hand ! Such bright magnificence adorns Thy Throne, That hence my ravifod Soul wou'd fain be gone. To oflfer there her low Devotion. Hail glorious Palace, which a lofty Mound Of fhining Ja^er clofely does furround .' Where the blew Safhyre and clear Chryfolitf At once aftonijh and affeB the Sight .' Where fparkling Tofos-threjholds kift the feet Of all who come towards the Almighty s Seat \ By doors of dazling Adamant let in, Where Golden Roofs on Emerald Pillars fhine ! This lofty StruElure, this divine Abode, Becomes the Pre fence of its Foftnder-God.

Here pureft A^rs^ ^nn'd in by Angels Wlngs^ Breathe all the Odors often thoufand Springs, Here no benumming Frofis dare once be rude. Nor piercing Snows within thefe Courts intrude. The torrid Zone is far remote from hence^ This Climate feels z gentler influence. This true Elizium's pleafures ne'er decay, Whofe time is all but one eternal day.

Bright Refident of the Cceleftial Spheres ! How defpicable's Earthy when Heavn appears ? The very name of Griefs a Stranger here^ And nothing can beget a though^ of Fear, Here undifturb'd Tranquillitj prefides, And entrance to 2\\ jarring Foes forbids. Hence every Pajfion^ Frailty and Difeafe^ All that may injure^ trouble, or dijpleafe^ All that may difcompofe th exalted mind, Are to eternal baniihment confln'd.

Bright Refident of the Coeleftial Spheres ! How defpicable's Earthy when H^avn appears? Here feaflit^ Souls perpetual Revels k^ep^ And never are concerned for food or fleep \ With indefatigable Ze^l thej WQV^^ Born on the wings of Duty and of Love.

Dijfolvd

DiS'olvd in Hymns, here ^iref ef Angels lle^

And, with loud HalelujahV^// the Sky.

Here new-come Saints with wreaths of light are crown* d^

fVhile IvWy Harfs and Silver Trumpets found.

Here ruddy Q]\zmhsfacred Hymns hegin^

Andfmiling Seraphs loud Refponfes/;?^ -^

IVhile echoing Angels the blefi Ayrs retort^

Follow d by a loud Chorus of the Univerfal Court :

IVhile^ to compleat the Mufick of the Qiiire

The Royal Pfalmift tunes his Sacred Lyre.

Such was the mighty Joy^ when they carefs'd The Royal CHARLES, their welcommartyr'dGuejh Such Songs of Triumph fill' d Heavens fface around^ when in his room his God-like Son was crown d: Him, for whofe fafety they were oft impl$yd. And blefi the grateful Orders they obeyd : Him, for whofe fake they did loud Storms affwage^ Andftiltdthe more tumultuous Peoples rage j Knowing His Reign fuch Blejfings woud difpence^ To make theiy pains a glorious recompence :

So nrildy fogood fuch woes his Exit brings y

IVhen they lookjn^ ^hey figh^ and flag their M^lngs, O that my ravifh'd Soul coud mount the Skies ^ To hear the Mufick^of their Pfalmodies !

CL4 TU

(2^2)

The pcaneft Seat in this bright Court Td chufi. Before the beft Preferment Earth beftows j For one fliort days fublime injoyrrtent here Exceeds an Age of the chief Pleafnre there. Hal}:e then, my Sopl ! to thofe blefi Alanfions fly. With thofe Might ObjeSis fkafe thy tvondring eye i With their frveet Ayr s filthy Attentive ear, Tillthoti haft learnt to chant glad Anthems thers ! Till thou, inflru^ed in the he4v*n(y Art^ Mayfi in their Confort bear an humble part I Bleft Refident of the Ca?leftiai Spheres ! Ho\v defpicable s Earth, when Heav'n appears ? What pure dehghts tliat happy place allows? J-Iqtv many Afanfims in my Father s Houfe f My flaming Soul can thence no longer ftay j l{ none goes there and livesj III die to find the way.

Bonavent.

(2??)

Bonavent. Soliloq. cap. 4.

0 my Soul I what c^n I fay when I bthold the Jo/ to come ? I am loft in admiral tton^ hecaufe the Joy will be within and without^ above and be/o^i\ about and be- fide us.

XV. M^ke

r^H)

fhe J^refor- ?Ac i/cniricj Jlai^l- lip on . J?ic m^intmns cf.S^j^ices. {hntS. z^

(235)

XV-

Make hdjfey my Beloved^ and he like the Roe or the young Hart upon the Mountains of Spices J Cant. vii). 14.

H

Afte, mj bright Sun ! hafle from my dazzel'd fight,

Too tender to endure thy llreaming light : How does my Tongue my love- lick Soul hotxxy ? This bids him^, whom that wou'd beg to ftaj. For why fhou'd I his abfence thus engage. Which grant will make one tedious hour an Age? Yet his too beautious Beams forbid his ftay 5 Fly then, mjLove, or lay thofe Beams away ! Hadft thou on me this harfh Injun6lion laid. The killing found at once had linick me dead : But thy ownflame^ not I, wou'd have it fo, I ihou'd be Ages in pronouncing Go ! I wou'd not wifh what now I do intreac ; Then flay, and let me not perfu^ae Thee yet I Stay, flary wj Life, and turn the deafned ear i Sure what I wou'd not j^^^i^', ycu fhou d not /;^4r.

Heuce

( ^l6 )

Hence let the wind, my feign d Petition bear ! Twas/^4r, not /, that form'd the hafty PrayVi Yet (oh ! ) this melting heat forbids your ftay 5 Fly, fly, fny Love^ I burn if you delay. Oh ! let your hafte outftrip the hunted Hind ; But that's too flow > fly like the nimble Wind ! Fly till thou leave fi ev'n flagging thought ffehind ! Yet in thy flight a longing look beftow, Afpeaking glance^ tofiewthee loath to go. But that once cafi, renew jour fpeed away • ■^b-i fht n^y Love, there's death in your delay ! JBehoId thofe lofty Sky-faluting Hills, Where rich Perfume from weeping Trees diftills ! Where Lawrels, Cedars, and foft Myrtles grow. And all the Spice Arabia can beftow : To their high tops dire6l thy nimble flight. Till thou, likethemy art vanifhM flrom my fight ! Fly to the heights where the gay Seraphs fing, And the young Cherubs cxercife their wing! Fly till the Stars appear as much below Thy Station, as they are above it now I Thofe places are inur'd to heat and fire. And what / dread, is what they mofi defire. One Spark's fufficient to inflame my Soul ; Oh ! do not then confume me with the whole ?

Then

Then let thy hafte the hunted Hind out^o !

And yet, methinks, thou fhoud'ft not leave me fo !

Fly where thou often may'ft with eafe look back,

Nor from my fight too fir a Journey take :

But keep fuch dillance as the gloiious Sun^

When with moft light he guilds the pale-fac'd Moon!

Ah I this diicov'ry of my Soul forgive!

I cannot Tvlth thee^ nor without thee, live.

If thou Alt near ^ I (?urrj ; remote, I freeze-,

And either difiance does alike dijpleafe.

Then fb approach me. Lord, I thee defire,

That I may feel thy Tvarmth, but not thy fi^e.

Fly then, mj Life ! faft as the hunted Deer j

But go no more too far, than flay t6o near !

And when th'art gone, on reedy Pipes Til play,

And fing thy Praiies in an amorous Lay 5

And when I've wearied out the tedious night.

With a new task, I will my felf delight,

I'll carve at large on ev ry fpreading Tree

Our Loves Original and Hijtcr) .

What time remains Til dedicate to ilcep.

Vet ftill my waking thoughts lozPd Objeclkt^^^

But fee how while I fpeak I melt away l Haft« your ungrateflil Hight without delay : Tet go as tho ^oh this departure mourn, Ar^ AH;)Qur kafte werf for a quick return.

Amb.

(238)

Amb. de bono Mortis, cap. 5-.

The Soul de fires that her Beloved would he gone^ becaiife norv jhe is able to follorv him in his flight.

FINIS,

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