Ecclesiastes, otherwise called the Preacher Containing Salomons Sermons or Commentaries (as it may probably be collected) vpon the 49. Psalme of Dauid his father. Compendiously abridged, and also paraphrastically dilated in English poesie, according to the analogie of Scripture, and consent of the most approued writer thereof. Composed by H. L. Gentleman [i.e. Henry Lok]. Whereunto are annexed sundrie Sonets of Christian Passions heretofore printed, and now corrected and augmented, with other affectionate Sonets of a feeling conscience of the same Authors |
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| III. | CONSIO. III. |
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 | Ecclesiastes, otherwise called the Preacher |  |
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CONSIO. III.
Chap. 9.
1. All this I know that wise & iust are Gods, whose loue showes not,
2. By hap they haue: wise, fooles, good, bad, are subiect to like lot.
2. By hap they haue: wise, fooles, good, bad, are subiect to like lot.
1.
It resteth now my part to perfect that,
I in my former speeches haue begunne,
That I may hit the marke I aymed at,
And so my course vnto your comfort runne,
That I may see that some, haue profit wonne.
I in my former speeches haue begunne,
That I may hit the marke I aymed at,
And so my course vnto your comfort runne,
That I may see that some, haue profit wonne.
Which I will do by laying plaine to thee,
The proofes which both by good and bad I make,
Their weale, nor woe, no perfect markes to bee
Of loue or hate of God, from whom we take
All powre, and all successe: and vaine are they
That mens intentions by their issue way.
The proofes which both by good and bad I make,
Their weale, nor woe, no perfect markes to bee
Of loue or hate of God, from whom we take
All powre, and all successe: and vaine are they
That mens intentions by their issue way.
2.
For much a like, you all mens states shall find,
And like euents to good and bad befall,
To wisest men, as men most grossely blind,
To rich, as poore, and wretchedst man of all,
For in this life you none can happie call.
And like euents to good and bad befall,
To wisest men, as men most grossely blind,
To rich, as poore, and wretchedst man of all,
For in this life you none can happie call.
Obserue the man that is of honest mind,
And marke the most deceitfull man aliue,
Looke on the Athiest most profane by kind,
And holy man, and you shall see them thriue,
Both oft a like, the foule blaspheming wight,
As he that prayes, and serues God day and night.
And marke the most deceitfull man aliue,
Looke on the Athiest most profane by kind,
And holy man, and you shall see them thriue,
Both oft a like, the foule blaspheming wight,
As he that prayes, and serues God day and night.
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3. All during life to folly sold: a like all go to graue.
4. In life is hope, liue dogs, more price (then once dead) Lyons haue.
4. In life is hope, liue dogs, more price (then once dead) Lyons haue.
3.
And sure of all the things that I do know,
It is the thing that seemes most strange to me,
That maketh wise men most amazed grow,
And best men most discouraged to bee,
When they their states, as hard as others see.
It is the thing that seemes most strange to me,
That maketh wise men most amazed grow,
And best men most discouraged to bee,
When they their states, as hard as others see.
And that like others is their death in show,
As subiect vnto paine as wicked men,
Forgotten, be they once in graue below,
Their vertues (as not done) vnthought of then:
So that their cares, and fooles vnquiet dayes,
Both madnesse seeme, both die deuoide of prayse.
As subiect vnto paine as wicked men,
Forgotten, be they once in graue below,
Their vertues (as not done) vnthought of then:
So that their cares, and fooles vnquiet dayes,
Both madnesse seeme, both die deuoide of prayse.
4.
Hence doth proceede (no doubt) the prouerbe old,
That liuing dogge, dead Lyon doth excell,
With princely beast of noble courage bold,
Then, euery barking curre dare sausly mell,
That liuing, durst not come within his smell.
That liuing dogge, dead Lyon doth excell,
With princely beast of noble courage bold,
Then, euery barking curre dare sausly mell,
That liuing, durst not come within his smell.
The reason is right easie to be told,
Because he liuing could himselfe relieue:
Life doth in time new hopes and haps vnfold,
But death no hope or earthly hap doth giue;
Time worketh wonders (if our time we take)
Occasion (at our death) doth vs forsake.
Because he liuing could himselfe relieue:
Life doth in time new hopes and haps vnfold,
But death no hope or earthly hap doth giue;
Time worketh wonders (if our time we take)
Occasion (at our death) doth vs forsake.
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5. The liuing know that they must die, but dead things are forgot:
6. Their loue & hate is quēcht, the earth more fruit affords thē not.
6. Their loue & hate is quēcht, the earth more fruit affords thē not.
5.
And so accordingly do wise men vse,
Whilst yet they liue (and liuing haue the powre
To worke their wils) they proper times do chuse,
To perfect their intent, least death deflowre
Their sweetest hopes, who all things doth deuowre.
Whilst yet they liue (and liuing haue the powre
To worke their wils) they proper times do chuse,
To perfect their intent, least death deflowre
Their sweetest hopes, who all things doth deuowre.
For well they see and may (it is no newes)
The man that now triumphes, to morne to die,
That dead, the foole the wisest will abuse,
And that the wisest then do senslesse lie,
And what vnperfected they left behind,
Neglected, and themselues soone out of mind.
The man that now triumphes, to morne to die,
That dead, the foole the wisest will abuse,
And that the wisest then do senslesse lie,
And what vnperfected they left behind,
Neglected, and themselues soone out of mind.
6.
Their loue, their solace, and their chiefe delights,
Euen with their liues, expired and at end,
Their hate, their plots of high reuenge and spights,
And euery action that they did pretend,
Dead into graue with them each one descend.
Euen with their liues, expired and at end,
Their hate, their plots of high reuenge and spights,
And euery action that they did pretend,
Dead into graue with them each one descend.
Into that cabbin of eternall nights,
Where they no more the gladsome beames shall see,
Of shining sunne, the comfort of the wights
That in this mortall life yet lingring bee,
Those perturbations ryfe with humane kind,
Their now exchanged state no more shall find.
Where they no more the gladsome beames shall see,
Of shining sunne, the comfort of the wights
That in this mortall life yet lingring bee,
Those perturbations ryfe with humane kind,
Their now exchanged state no more shall find.
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7. With bread & wine, cheere then thy hart, the pledges of gods loue,
8. With comely' aray cloth thou thy corps, thou pleasant balmes maist proue.
8. With comely' aray cloth thou thy corps, thou pleasant balmes maist proue.
7.
Thy part of earthly things, that lawfully
Thou mayst inioy, I therefore thee aduise,
Vse whilst thou mayest, for death comes speedily,
And crosses vnsuspected oft arise,
As euery mans experience daily tries.
Thou mayst inioy, I therefore thee aduise,
Vse whilst thou mayest, for death comes speedily,
And crosses vnsuspected oft arise,
As euery mans experience daily tries.
Vse thou thy owne with plentie' and cheerefully,
Hurt not, but helpe thou others to thy powre,
And (if God gaue thee meanes aboundantly)
Do not thy selfe the same alone deuoure:
But as God gaue, so freely do thou giue,
Those almes best please, we vse whilst yet we liue.
Hurt not, but helpe thou others to thy powre,
And (if God gaue thee meanes aboundantly)
Do not thy selfe the same alone deuoure:
But as God gaue, so freely do thou giue,
Those almes best please, we vse whilst yet we liue.
8.
Thou needst not in thy dyet be precise,
As some perswade, and onely eat to liue,
Where choyse is set, to chuse in thee it lies,
All things were made for man, God all doth giue,
By bounty vs to thankfulnesse to driue.
As some perswade, and onely eat to liue,
Where choyse is set, to chuse in thee it lies,
All things were made for man, God all doth giue,
By bounty vs to thankfulnesse to driue.
Yea all the rich attyres thou canst deuise,
For different states of men ordayned were:
For Princes purples, for to please the eyes,
And all the precious gems that earth doth beare;
Yea sweet perfumes, for delicace ordaynd,
(If thou mayst haue them) need not be refraynd.
For different states of men ordayned were:
For Princes purples, for to please the eyes,
And all the precious gems that earth doth beare;
Yea sweet perfumes, for delicace ordaynd,
(If thou mayst haue them) need not be refraynd.
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9. Reioyce in thy chast spouses bed: since God her to thee gaue,
10. What so thou woldst atchiue dispatch, no works are don in graue.
10. What so thou woldst atchiue dispatch, no works are don in graue.
9.
If that thy eyes behold a beautie rare,
Which doth delight thy hart, and loue inflame,
If that in lawfull band she proue thy share,
And that vnto thy loue, her loue she frame,
Thou mayst with comfort ioy thee in the same.
Which doth delight thy hart, and loue inflame,
If that in lawfull band she proue thy share,
And that vnto thy loue, her loue she frame,
Thou mayst with comfort ioy thee in the same.
A comfort sure, to mitigate the care,
Which worldly troubles may on thee inflict,
The sweetest, God or nature could prepare,
Or out of all earths beauties could be pickt,
So great as none can iudge that are vnkind,
And on a single life do set their mind.
Which worldly troubles may on thee inflict,
The sweetest, God or nature could prepare,
Or out of all earths beauties could be pickt,
So great as none can iudge that are vnkind,
And on a single life do set their mind.
10.
And (at a word for all) what else beside
In all the world, thou hast a mind vnto,
(So that in vse thereof a measure guide)
Thou art no whit restraind the same to do,
But do it quickly, least death all vndo.
In all the world, thou hast a mind vnto,
(So that in vse thereof a measure guide)
Thou art no whit restraind the same to do,
But do it quickly, least death all vndo.
For death diuerteth all, who can abide
The fury of his force, if once he smight?
To do (what thou woulst do) then take thy tide,
For in the darkesome graue of deadly night
No knowledge, wisedom, powre, there doth remaine,
All is forgot, all purposes are vaine.
The fury of his force, if once he smight?
To do (what thou woulst do) then take thy tide,
For in the darkesome graue of deadly night
No knowledge, wisedom, powre, there doth remaine,
All is forgot, all purposes are vaine.
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11. The worthy want, the wise, the strōg haue oft times guerdon smal.
12. None knows his houre, as birds in snare are caught, so mē do fall.
12. None knows his houre, as birds in snare are caught, so mē do fall.
11.
By these obseruances I sought to win,
The happinesse which I did in part attaine,
But all gaine not the goale, that running bin,
Nor haue the spoyle that fight the field to gaine,
Nor to the wise doth alwayes wealth remaine.
The happinesse which I did in part attaine,
But all gaine not the goale, that running bin,
Nor haue the spoyle that fight the field to gaine,
Nor to the wise doth alwayes wealth remaine.
Nay many needy sterue, and new begin
The world, whose wits and industries were good,
Their best indeuours stand on tickle pin,
And consterd are as they are vnderstood,
By such on whom the common wealth doth stay,
And time and chance in each thing beares a sway.
The world, whose wits and industries were good,
Their best indeuours stand on tickle pin,
And consterd are as they are vnderstood,
By such on whom the common wealth doth stay,
And time and chance in each thing beares a sway.
12.
We must acknowledge it in very deed,
The ordinance of God it should be so,
For well I know, that none can take such heed,
But headlong he into the snare may go,
(Say yea who will) if God alone say no.
The ordinance of God it should be so,
For well I know, that none can take such heed,
But headlong he into the snare may go,
(Say yea who will) if God alone say no.
Like harmelesse fish, that in the waters breed,
And fearelesse fowle that in the ayre are free,
Whose innocencies serue to little steed,
When nets and snares by fraud extended bee:
So man, by time and chance intrapped is,
(If wicked will) though nothing his amis.
And fearelesse fowle that in the ayre are free,
Whose innocencies serue to little steed,
When nets and snares by fraud extended bee:
So man, by time and chance intrapped is,
(If wicked will) though nothing his amis.
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13. This thing in wisdome I haue markt, which seemeth strāge to me,
14. A city weake of strength and men, by Monarke sieg'd to be.
14. A city weake of strength and men, by Monarke sieg'd to be.
13.
Which being (as we see the Lords decree)
Improperly we attribute to chance,
His will in time, produceth that to thee
Which thou supposest, fortune did aduance,
So wide, mans wisedome from the truth doth glance.
Improperly we attribute to chance,
His will in time, produceth that to thee
Which thou supposest, fortune did aduance,
So wide, mans wisedome from the truth doth glance.
True wisedome rather, sure will let thee see
How to apply thy state, to each euent,
With no aduerse incounter quaild to bee,
But all things take and vse, as God them sent,
And seeing this ingratefull peruerse age,
(By view of others wrongs) thy griefe asswage:
How to apply thy state, to each euent,
With no aduerse incounter quaild to bee,
But all things take and vse, as God them sent,
And seeing this ingratefull peruerse age,
(By view of others wrongs) thy griefe asswage:
14.
As I my selfe haue done, who sometimes saw,
A weake vnfortified citie sieg'd,
By powrefull Prince, who armies great did draw
T'ingirt their wals, and libertie abridge,
That none could scape, though wings were nere so flidge.
A weake vnfortified citie sieg'd,
By powrefull Prince, who armies great did draw
T'ingirt their wals, and libertie abridge,
That none could scape, though wings were nere so flidge.
The towne not populate to scape their iaw,
By any skirmishes of saly out,
His raised bulwarkes kept them so in awe,
And forside trenches compast so about,
As if the Eagle houering ouer pray,
At pleasure readie were his talents lay.
By any skirmishes of saly out,
His raised bulwarkes kept them so in awe,
And forside trenches compast so about,
As if the Eagle houering ouer pray,
At pleasure readie were his talents lay.
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15. Which one wise mā though poore relieu'd, yet was his worth forgot
16. Yet (say I) wisedome more auaild then force: yet boots it not.
16. Yet (say I) wisedome more auaild then force: yet boots it not.
15.
When yet I saw (a worthy thing to see)
A man of small account for wealth or state,
But yet (indeed) both bold and wise was hee,
Who raysd the siege, and so did foes abate,
That towne and people, thereby freedome gate.
A man of small account for wealth or state,
But yet (indeed) both bold and wise was hee,
Who raysd the siege, and so did foes abate,
That towne and people, thereby freedome gate.
But when they were miraculously free,
(Lo strange vngratitude but common sin)
This worthy man began neglect to bee,
And deeds forgot, as they had neuer bin:
Though all did tast the fruit of his desart,
Not one layd vp his vertues in his hart.
(Lo strange vngratitude but common sin)
This worthy man began neglect to bee,
And deeds forgot, as they had neuer bin:
Though all did tast the fruit of his desart,
Not one layd vp his vertues in his hart.
16.
Yet this, his worthy prowesse in my sight
Was such, as I could neuer but admire,
And makes me thinke that they in vaine do fight,
That haue all wealth and powre they can desire,
If pollicie they want, if cause require.
Was such, as I could neuer but admire,
And makes me thinke that they in vaine do fight,
That haue all wealth and powre they can desire,
If pollicie they want, if cause require.
And them vnwise (I hold) that iudge a wight
By his apparance outwardly or pealth,
In poore mens words the rich haue small delight,
For they account them fooles that haue not wealth,
Yet at their need, their helpe perforce they vse,
Their owne turne seru'd, to helpe them they refuse.
By his apparance outwardly or pealth,
In poore mens words the rich haue small delight,
For they account them fooles that haue not wealth,
Yet at their need, their helpe perforce they vse,
Their owne turne seru'd, to helpe them they refuse.
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17. Yet wise mens words the good regard: though fooles aduise reiect.
18. And wisedome passeth powre of armes, & sin brings woes effect.
18. And wisedome passeth powre of armes, & sin brings woes effect.
17.
But these my words I know that some will hold,
To be a partiall speech of litle wit,
For tales vnto the foolish wisely told,
Can scarce haue hearing, and small fauour git,
Vnlesse vnto their humors it do fit.
To be a partiall speech of litle wit,
For tales vnto the foolish wisely told,
Can scarce haue hearing, and small fauour git,
Vnlesse vnto their humors it do fit.
Vnto the wise I speake, of such I would
Haue credit, euen as they the truth do know,
I might grow hoarce with preaching if I should,
Seeke some to win to bend vnto my bow:
Few words among the wise, haue greater place,
Then long orations, with vnskilfull race.
Haue credit, euen as they the truth do know,
I might grow hoarce with preaching if I should,
Seeke some to win to bend vnto my bow:
Few words among the wise, haue greater place,
Then long orations, with vnskilfull race.
18.
To such I say (as this example proues)
That wisedome is a thing of greater powre,
And that a solid reason sooner moues,
If well applyed, in conuenient howre,
Then Cannons shot, that batters on a towre.
That wisedome is a thing of greater powre,
And that a solid reason sooner moues,
If well applyed, in conuenient howre,
Then Cannons shot, that batters on a towre.
And that one action more then well behoues,
(Mistaking or neglecting of his due)
All former wisedome of a man reproues,
And maketh many errors more insue:
For as one bitter herbe the broth doth spill,
So one misdeed may worke to many ill.
(Mistaking or neglecting of his due)
All former wisedome of a man reproues,
And maketh many errors more insue:
For as one bitter herbe the broth doth spill,
So one misdeed may worke to many ill.
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[Chap. 10.]
1. Dead flies do sweetest oyles corrupt, so follies small the wise
2. Disgrace: but wise men things feresee, though foole insnard he lies.
2. Disgrace: but wise men things feresee, though foole insnard he lies.
1.
Dead flies cause to stinke and putrifie the oyntment of the Apothecarie: so doth a little folly him that is in estimation for wisdome and for glory.
Hadst need full warily thy selfe to guide,
For looke how much more high thy fame doth rise,
More sharper censure art thou like to bide,
If in a slender matter thou shouldst slide.
For looke how soone thou seest the drowned flyes,
In sweetest droogs Apothecaries make,
Corrupt them so, that men it straight despise,
Which they before, did for most precious take:
So be thou sure one vice shall staine thee more,
Then many vertuous deedes, thee praysd before.
In sweetest droogs Apothecaries make,
Corrupt them so, that men it straight despise,
Which they before, did for most precious take:
So be thou sure one vice shall staine thee more,
Then many vertuous deedes, thee praysd before.
2.
Thou farther seest, that wisedome is the thing
In all assayes, best worthy of esteeme,
Who doth her followers vnto honour bring,
And makes their actions alwayes gracious seeme,
And men their words, like Oracles to deeme.
In all assayes, best worthy of esteeme,
Who doth her followers vnto honour bring,
And makes their actions alwayes gracious seeme,
And men their words, like Oracles to deeme.
From all extremes she shields them with her wing,
They find reliefe euen readie at their hand,
When foolish folke (with euery trifle) wring,
And like left-handed helpes amazed stand,
Not knowing how to others helpe to breed,
Nor yet themselues to helpe in time of need.
They find reliefe euen readie at their hand,
When foolish folke (with euery trifle) wring,
And like left-handed helpes amazed stand,
Not knowing how to others helpe to breed,
Nor yet themselues to helpe in time of need.
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3. The foole to all men showes his wit, each thing doth him amaze,
4. The wise (though Prince offended be) his fitter time he stayes.
4. The wise (though Prince offended be) his fitter time he stayes.
3.
If they in iudgement, once do go astray,
They headlong fall, and neuer see the same,
If once they misse the vsuall common way,
Vnto a better course they cannot frame,
But lie and perish to their lasting shame.
They headlong fall, and neuer see the same,
If once they misse the vsuall common way,
Vnto a better course they cannot frame,
But lie and perish to their lasting shame.
Their downefals they haue not the wit to stay,
Nor to conceale their fault from any one,
Nay they will blase their shame (say who will nay)
To euery one, though done a part alone,
Yea they will boast thereof, and it defend,
If that the standers by will hearing lend.
Nor to conceale their fault from any one,
Nay they will blase their shame (say who will nay)
To euery one, though done a part alone,
Yea they will boast thereof, and it defend,
If that the standers by will hearing lend.
4.
Which if they should, and that their powre permit,
Be not dismayd, but vse thou wisedome then,
Giue them the honour, for their place is fit,
And then remember that they are but men,
And vse good words, as wisedome teacheth when.
Be not dismayd, but vse thou wisedome then,
Giue them the honour, for their place is fit,
And then remember that they are but men,
And vse good words, as wisedome teacheth when.
For words well vsed, workes the grossest wits
Vnto a plient patience, more to heare,
And patience, fauour more in time begits;
And time forgetfulnesse, if thou forbeare,
And mild forbearance, makes thy fault the lesse,
And him his fault (if grace he haue) confesse.
Vnto a plient patience, more to heare,
And patience, fauour more in time begits;
And time forgetfulnesse, if thou forbeare,
And mild forbearance, makes thy fault the lesse,
And him his fault (if grace he haue) confesse.
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5. This euill on earth I oft haue seene, great rulers greatly fall,
6. The foole aduanst, the rich and wise reiected most of all.
6. The foole aduanst, the rich and wise reiected most of all.
5.
But yet this rule I find not alwayes true,
Nay rather often times it fayleth quight,
(A thing I cannot mend, though it I rue,
And is the thing I hold the greatest spight,
That euer may to common wealth alight.)
Nay rather often times it fayleth quight,
(A thing I cannot mend, though it I rue,
And is the thing I hold the greatest spight,
That euer may to common wealth alight.)
To see that those to whom all rule is due,
And should be guides to other men in good,
Should all the vices of the world insue,
And may not be by any meanes withstood;
By whose examples, many others fall
To ruine; as do shrubs with Cedar tall.
And should be guides to other men in good,
Should all the vices of the world insue,
And may not be by any meanes withstood;
By whose examples, many others fall
To ruine; as do shrubs with Cedar tall.
6.
How can it be in any other wise,
If folly sit in seat of excellence,
Like will to like, and as the bad arise,
Downe goes the good, and vertue 'is banisht thence,
(For wicked ones in wicked seeke defence.)
If folly sit in seat of excellence,
Like will to like, and as the bad arise,
Downe goes the good, and vertue 'is banisht thence,
(For wicked ones in wicked seeke defence.)
Pure vertue naked in a beggers guise,
May wander for protection and for ayde,
For euery one her merits will despise,
Because like gifts, their natures haue denayd,
Thus topsie turnie euery thing will grow,
As cart, the horse: the sterue, ships way should show.
May wander for protection and for ayde,
For euery one her merits will despise,
Because like gifts, their natures haue denayd,
Thus topsie turnie euery thing will grow,
As cart, the horse: the sterue, ships way should show.
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7. Slaues by desart a cockhorse ride, right nobles lackie by,
8. But who layes snares, himselfe may fall: and pricks in hedges try.
8. But who layes snares, himselfe may fall: and pricks in hedges try.
7.
For what obsurder thing can you suppose,
Then what is oftentimes before your eye?
When you on cockhorse see a prauncing those,
Whose birth and qualities you may despise,
Whilst wise and noble both contemned lies.
Then what is oftentimes before your eye?
When you on cockhorse see a prauncing those,
Whose birth and qualities you may despise,
Whilst wise and noble both contemned lies.
Nay lackie-like in trotting, time do loose,
In seruing such as know not true desart,
A worser life there could be no way chose,
Or that could more torment an honest hart:
For where shall they expect their paines reward,
Which they to foole all readie see is shard.
In seruing such as know not true desart,
A worser life there could be no way chose,
Or that could more torment an honest hart:
For where shall they expect their paines reward,
Which they to foole all readie see is shard.
8.
But for my part I can be well content,
To yeeld all honor where God honor giues,
But yet oppressors should in time repent,
For God in heauen a iudge for euer liues,
And to confusion wicked worldlings driues.
To yeeld all honor where God honor giues,
But yet oppressors should in time repent,
For God in heauen a iudge for euer liues,
And to confusion wicked worldlings driues.
He doth preuent their fraudulent intent,
And makes them fall into the pit they cast,
Whilst they indeuour others to preuent,
The Serpents sting to martyr them as fast:
For fraud with fraud, is oftentimes repayd,
And wicked snard, in grin for others layd.
And makes them fall into the pit they cast,
Whilst they indeuour others to preuent,
The Serpents sting to martyr them as fast:
For fraud with fraud, is oftentimes repayd,
And wicked snard, in grin for others layd.
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9. Bounds changers, and wood stealers are, oft tane and punished:
10. By slight & force men may do much, but blunt wits cut like lead.
10. By slight & force men may do much, but blunt wits cut like lead.
9.
If lawes of kingdomes chastisement procure,
For such as alter auncient bounds of land,
If that poore pilfring hedge-breakers be sure
To sit in stockes, if owners vnderstand,
And euery crime is punisht out of hand.
For such as alter auncient bounds of land,
If that poore pilfring hedge-breakers be sure
To sit in stockes, if owners vnderstand,
And euery crime is punisht out of hand.
Shall wrong, or shall oppression still assure
The mightie ones, to tread the weaker downe,
Nay God the king of kings will not endure,
But in his wrath on them will fiercely frowne,
For though his patient suffring doth excell,
(Yet moued long) he striketh downe to hell.
The mightie ones, to tread the weaker downe,
Nay God the king of kings will not endure,
But in his wrath on them will fiercely frowne,
For though his patient suffring doth excell,
(Yet moued long) he striketh downe to hell.
10.
Let no man therefore so misuse his wit,
To hurt of neighbour, or to proper shame,
But let him do the thing he findeth fit,
And let him wisely his intentions frame,
So shall lesse toyle, more sweet insue the same.
To hurt of neighbour, or to proper shame,
But let him do the thing he findeth fit,
And let him wisely his intentions frame,
So shall lesse toyle, more sweet insue the same.
For as the dulled toole craues force with it,
Of doubled strength to make it pierce aright,
Yet will (with all thy paines) scarce cut awhit,
Vnlesse thou ioyne thy skill vnto thy might:
So in all actions reason must be guide,
Else no good issue will the same betide.
Of doubled strength to make it pierce aright,
Yet will (with all thy paines) scarce cut awhit,
Vnlesse thou ioyne thy skill vnto thy might:
So in all actions reason must be guide,
Else no good issue will the same betide.
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11. As serpents sting, if charmes do want; so babbling tongs do bight,
12. Himselfe he doth deuour: whilst words of wise men do delight.
12. Himselfe he doth deuour: whilst words of wise men do delight.
11.
And as in deeds, euen so in words beware
How thou dost guide thy tongue in any case,
Wherein to find a wise man, it is rare,
Licentious speech hath now so common place,
And slanderous tongues, do find such speciall grace.
How thou dost guide thy tongue in any case,
Wherein to find a wise man, it is rare,
Licentious speech hath now so common place,
And slanderous tongues, do find such speciall grace.
Yet not the Serpents which in Lybia are,
Whilst they vncharmed lye in wait for man,
More daungerously do sting: or do prepare
More present poyson, then vile slander can,
If it haue hearing once, and credit lent,
It will destroy the saint most innocent.
Whilst they vncharmed lye in wait for man,
More daungerously do sting: or do prepare
More present poyson, then vile slander can,
If it haue hearing once, and credit lent,
It will destroy the saint most innocent.
12.
The lauish tatling tongue on prating set,
Spares no man, nor regardeth what it sayth,
It cuts like to a razor which is whet,
And prickes himselfe which rashly with it playth,
And him that so it vseth, fond bewrayth.
Spares no man, nor regardeth what it sayth,
It cuts like to a razor which is whet,
And prickes himselfe which rashly with it playth,
And him that so it vseth, fond bewrayth.
But wise men speake when matter good they get,
With modestie, and vnto matter good,
Out of their lips no vaine vntruths they let,
They speake distinctly to be vnderstood,
And words accompany'd with matter graue,
For which of all they commendations haue.
With modestie, and vnto matter good,
Out of their lips no vaine vntruths they let,
They speake distinctly to be vnderstood,
And words accompany'd with matter graue,
For which of all they commendations haue.
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13. His speech begins with foolish talke, with wicked madnesse ends,
14. Increasing words of future things, strange questions he defends.
14. Increasing words of future things, strange questions he defends.
13.
Fooles if they once begin, can neuer end,
And with their will they all the words will haue,
They loue to heare themselues, and will defend
Their follies, euen before the wise and graue,
And thinke they (brauely) do themselues behaue.
And with their will they all the words will haue,
They loue to heare themselues, and will defend
Their follies, euen before the wise and graue,
And thinke they (brauely) do themselues behaue.
They do begin their speech (if eare you lend)
With vaine and foolish talkes, or lying toyes,
But in the middle they to mischiefe bend,
In fine with madnesse ends he, and annoyes
The honest eare and soule, that heares him speake,
And them compell his senslesse tale to breake.
With vaine and foolish talkes, or lying toyes,
But in the middle they to mischiefe bend,
In fine with madnesse ends he, and annoyes
The honest eare and soule, that heares him speake,
And them compell his senslesse tale to breake.
14.
From table talke and childish toyes, he growes
To highest points of learning and of skill,
In deepe points of diuinitie he showes,
That with best learned clarke compare he will,
And all the world with paradoxes fill.
To highest points of learning and of skill,
In deepe points of diuinitie he showes,
That with best learned clarke compare he will,
And all the world with paradoxes fill.
Gods secrets he by inspiration knowes,
He prophecies of things yet long to come,
With super-naturall skill he ouerflowes,
And in each science seemeth to haue some,
When silly wretch, his knowledge is but small,
For in those points, the best knowe nought at all.
He prophecies of things yet long to come,
With super-naturall skill he ouerflowes,
And in each science seemeth to haue some,
When silly wretch, his knowledge is but small,
For in those points, the best knowe nought at all.
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15. He tyres himselfe in highest points, yet knowes not common way,
16. O wretched land, ruld by such child, whose peeres do feast by day.
16. O wretched land, ruld by such child, whose peeres do feast by day.
15.
Thus do the foolish vainely take in hand,
To vexe their braines, with things for them to hie,
They know that future things none vnderstand,
Yet they their faculties therein will try,
Such wise fooles (fondly wise) the world hath many.
To vexe their braines, with things for them to hie,
They know that future things none vnderstand,
Yet they their faculties therein will try,
Such wise fooles (fondly wise) the world hath many.
It fares with them (if it be rightly scand)
As with the blind that would the seeing guide,
As if one wandring in an vncouth land,
Would those instruct, the way dwell hard beside:
They silly fooles, know not their next way home,
And yet their wits would ouer all things rome.
As with the blind that would the seeing guide,
As if one wandring in an vncouth land,
Would those instruct, the way dwell hard beside:
They silly fooles, know not their next way home,
And yet their wits would ouer all things rome.
16.
Wo be to such, that by such ruled are,
But speciall wo be to thee land, where they
Do beare the Scepter, least they all do marre,
As ill as infants when they beare the sway,
Who not themselues, much lesse thy state can stay.
But speciall wo be to thee land, where they
Do beare the Scepter, least they all do marre,
As ill as infants when they beare the sway,
Who not themselues, much lesse thy state can stay.
And doubled is thy woe and mischiefe farre,
If that thy Magistrates (who should aduise
Their Prince in highest points of peace or warre)
To banqueting and surfets early rise,
Neglecting common good, which first of all
With temperate braine, they should to counsell call.
If that thy Magistrates (who should aduise
Their Prince in highest points of peace or warre)
To banqueting and surfets early rise,
Neglecting common good, which first of all
With temperate braine, they should to counsell call.
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17. But blest ô land, where honor rules, where Nobles feed to liue.
18. By sloth the house decays, & rain through top of roofe doth driue.
18. By sloth the house decays, & rain through top of roofe doth driue.
17.
And thou thrice happy soyle, whose Prince descends
Of pedegree of Emp'rors and of Kings
Of auncient honor, which to vertue bends;
Whose rule both peace and plenty to thee brings,
Where through thy fame, mōgst forrē regions rings.
Of pedegree of Emp'rors and of Kings
Of auncient honor, which to vertue bends;
Whose rule both peace and plenty to thee brings,
Where through thy fame, mōgst forrē regions rings.
And happy Prince, whom God a Councell sends
Of noble Peeres and wise, whose watchfull eyes
Thy subiects from all forren foes defends,
And ciuill broyles that might at home arise,
Such do in temperate wise their plentie vse,
And feed for strength, and plenty not abuse.
Of noble Peeres and wise, whose watchfull eyes
Thy subiects from all forren foes defends,
And ciuill broyles that might at home arise,
Such do in temperate wise their plentie vse,
And feed for strength, and plenty not abuse.
18.
They cause the Pesant, in sweet peace manure
The land, the treasury of wealths encrease:
Vnto the needy they do worke procure,
And see the poore, with wealthy liue in peace,
And all oppression in the land to cease.
The land, the treasury of wealths encrease:
Vnto the needy they do worke procure,
And see the poore, with wealthy liue in peace,
And all oppression in the land to cease.
Their waking eyes doth Princes state assure,
Doth to the people courage giue to toyle,
Gaines to themselues a fame shall aye indure,
Giues to the foe the most disgracefull foyle;
All this with paine and diligence is wonne,
Slouth ruines all, makes all to hauock ronne.
Doth to the people courage giue to toyle,
Gaines to themselues a fame shall aye indure,
Giues to the foe the most disgracefull foyle;
All this with paine and diligence is wonne,
Slouth ruines all, makes all to hauock ronne.
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19. Bread strēgthens hart, wine cheers the mind, but siluer al doth by,
20. Curse not thy king or Peeres in thought, lest birds the same descry.
20. Curse not thy king or Peeres in thought, lest birds the same descry.
19.
They giue the safetie, for to vse thy owne,
And peace, of plentie that thou mayest feed,
Thou feedst by them, of best on earth hath growne,
Of fatlings, which thy flocks and heards do breed,
To recreate thy soule at time of need.
And peace, of plentie that thou mayest feed,
Thou feedst by them, of best on earth hath growne,
Of fatlings, which thy flocks and heards do breed,
To recreate thy soule at time of need.
And for by gold and siluer wealth is showne,
They do inrich the land with purest quine,
By which thy trafficke farre and neere is knowne,
And Indian gems, and Arabian drugs are thine,
Gold gayneth all, and Ophire gold thou hast,
Then happie thou, if hap in wealth be plast.
They do inrich the land with purest quine,
By which thy trafficke farre and neere is knowne,
And Indian gems, and Arabian drugs are thine,
Gold gayneth all, and Ophire gold thou hast,
Then happie thou, if hap in wealth be plast.
20.
Then slander not such Prince, that counsell graue,
By whom so many benefits we find,
Their many merits, many thankes do craue,
Each honest hart to reuerent loue they bind,
And base backbiters only are vnkind.
By whom so many benefits we find,
Their many merits, many thankes do craue,
Each honest hart to reuerent loue they bind,
And base backbiters only are vnkind.
The lawes of God, and nature willed haue,
The Magistrate should reuerenced bee,
The lawes of man the bounds vnto thee gaue
Of words and deeds, but God the thought doth see,
In deed then, word, and thought them honor aye,
Least flying fowles of ayre, thy guilt bewray.
The Magistrate should reuerenced bee,
The lawes of man the bounds vnto thee gaue
Of words and deeds, but God the thought doth see,
In deed then, word, and thought them honor aye,
Least flying fowles of ayre, thy guilt bewray.
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[Chap. 11.]
1. Cast bread on waters, freely spend: ere long thou shalt it find.
2. To seuen & seuen, giue if they need earths wants are great behind
2. To seuen & seuen, giue if they need earths wants are great behind
1.
Now since no lesse discretion is requir'd
In vsing wealth, then getting of the same,
And that the bounteous mind is most admir'd,
Doth profit others most, and gaines best name,
I therefore wish thereto thy hart to frame.
In vsing wealth, then getting of the same,
And that the bounteous mind is most admir'd,
Doth profit others most, and gaines best name,
I therefore wish thereto thy hart to frame.
I would not haue thy hand too quickly tyrde,
Nor too respectiue vnto whom to giue,
Some I haue seene for shame haue not desyrde
An almes, whom greatest need to craue might driue:
Though water powred in the sea seeme vaine,
Yet needlesse gift, a gratefull hart may gaine.
Nor too respectiue vnto whom to giue,
Some I haue seene for shame haue not desyrde
An almes, whom greatest need to craue might driue:
Though water powred in the sea seeme vaine,
Yet needlesse gift, a gratefull hart may gaine.
2.
Some giue in hope a gift to gaine thereby,
Such gifts, I rather bribes, then gifts do call,
Some feare to giue, least they themselues may try
Like want ere long: and so giue nought at all,
Some sometimes giue, but yet their gifts are small.
Such gifts, I rather bribes, then gifts do call,
Some feare to giue, least they themselues may try
Like want ere long: and so giue nought at all,
Some sometimes giue, but yet their gifts are small.
But I would haue thy almes giuen cheerefully
Vnaskt, sometimes if crau'd, to none denide,
Let none lacke (to thy powre) in need that lye,
And to preuent their need, some goods deuide,
For God all bountie is, and so should we
Dispose our goods, if like him we would be.
Vnaskt, sometimes if crau'd, to none denide,
Let none lacke (to thy powre) in need that lye,
And to preuent their need, some goods deuide,
For God all bountie is, and so should we
Dispose our goods, if like him we would be.
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3. If clouds be full, raine fals on earth: and trees in north & south.
4. Who sowes and reapes by rules of wind, but little land he plow'th.
4. Who sowes and reapes by rules of wind, but little land he plow'th.
3.
Yea looke how plenteously thou seest the raine,
Fro out the deaw-fild clouds on earth distill,
So long as any drops in them remaine,
Wherewith earths dryed cesterns vp to fill,
So in thy almes be thou as forward still.
Fro out the deaw-fild clouds on earth distill,
So long as any drops in them remaine,
Wherewith earths dryed cesterns vp to fill,
So in thy almes be thou as forward still.
And as each soile, some sap from heauen doth gaine,
And euery tree and shrub of deaw hath part,
So thinke thou not thy gift bestowd in vaine,
To whom or when so ere thou giuing art:
And if thy store be great, more mayst thou spend,
If lesse, yet some, vnto more needy lend.
And euery tree and shrub of deaw hath part,
So thinke thou not thy gift bestowd in vaine,
To whom or when so ere thou giuing art:
And if thy store be great, more mayst thou spend,
If lesse, yet some, vnto more needy lend.
4.
Take all occasions to be doing well,
Let euery season for it proper seeme,
The husbandmen that most in skill excell,
Though sometimes they to sow more fit do deeme,
Yet to be too precise, vnfit esteeme.
Let euery season for it proper seeme,
The husbandmen that most in skill excell,
Though sometimes they to sow more fit do deeme,
Yet to be too precise, vnfit esteeme.
Who marketh alwaies where the wind doth dwell,
And feareth euery cloud that is in sky,
But little corne shall sow or reape to sell,
If alwaies he do guide his workes thereby:
So giue thou when thou maist, and thinke thy store
Increast thereby, no whit impaird the more.
And feareth euery cloud that is in sky,
But little corne shall sow or reape to sell,
If alwaies he do guide his workes thereby:
So giue thou when thou maist, and thinke thy store
Increast thereby, no whit impaird the more.
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5. As child in wombe, so al things God makes grow vnknown to thee.
6. Thē morn & euen, sow thou thy seed: God knows which best shalbe
6. Thē morn & euen, sow thou thy seed: God knows which best shalbe
5.
Thinke this, that euen that God which gaue to thee
The present blessings that thou dost possesse,
Thy charitable workes, from heauen doth see.
And will thy labours in due season blesse,
If thou thy faith, by neighbours loue expresse.
The present blessings that thou dost possesse,
Thy charitable workes, from heauen doth see.
And will thy labours in due season blesse,
If thou thy faith, by neighbours loue expresse.
And thinke that as the infants borne that bee,
Conceiued are, do grow, do liue, do feed,
And be by birth in time from prison free,
By meanes vnknowne, to mothers them that breed,
Se be assur'd, that God which it hath wrought,
Can wealth restore, by meanes to thee vnthought.
Conceiued are, do grow, do liue, do feed,
And be by birth in time from prison free,
By meanes vnknowne, to mothers them that breed,
Se be assur'd, that God which it hath wrought,
Can wealth restore, by meanes to thee vnthought.
6.
Both rath and late at euery time and tide,
Then do vnto thy power, some almes deed,
Without some others good, let no day slide,
So oft as thou canst find a man hath need,
And who this can performe, is blest indeed.
Then do vnto thy power, some almes deed,
Without some others good, let no day slide,
So oft as thou canst find a man hath need,
And who this can performe, is blest indeed.
For man can not his worke so wisely guide,
To know to whom, and when to giue is best,
But who for pittie giues, and not for pride,
Though needlesly some fall among the rest,
Yet some (no doubt) is blessedly bestowd,
And in thy will of good, good worke is showd.
To know to whom, and when to giue is best,
But who for pittie giues, and not for pride,
Though needlesly some fall among the rest,
Yet some (no doubt) is blessedly bestowd,
And in thy will of good, good worke is showd.
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7. Sure life is sweete; and all desire, long time to see the sunne.
8. Though long life last, yet death maks hast: & times do vainly run.
8. Though long life last, yet death maks hast: & times do vainly run.
7.
And since (but whilst thou liu'st) thy goods are thine,
And what thou freely giu'st deserueth prayse,
Giue while thou mayst, so mayst thou find in fine,
Well sau'd, what well was spent in liuing dayes,
(For godly worke, with God aye present stayes.)
And what thou freely giu'st deserueth prayse,
Giue while thou mayst, so mayst thou find in fine,
Well sau'd, what well was spent in liuing dayes,
(For godly worke, with God aye present stayes.)
Long mayst thou liue, but must in end decline
To death, the end of euery liuing thing:
To yeeld to death, yet needst thou not repine,
If liuing thou to man, no good canst bring:
And hauing left some good by life to men,
More welcome death may be vnto thee then.
To death, the end of euery liuing thing:
To yeeld to death, yet needst thou not repine,
If liuing thou to man, no good canst bring:
And hauing left some good by life to men,
More welcome death may be vnto thee then.
8.
For death thou knowest, vnto life is due,
And life doth but prepare a man to die,
Liues cares, a daily death in vs renue,
To worke in vs consent to death hereby,
Which else no flesh (with patience) sure would try.
And life doth but prepare a man to die,
Liues cares, a daily death in vs renue,
To worke in vs consent to death hereby,
Which else no flesh (with patience) sure would try.
The many dayes or yeares which do insue,
Of wariest gouernment to happiest wight,
Cannot perswade him but that this is true,
That lightsome day will turne to darksome night,
That times most long haue end and what doth vade,
Is little better then a very shade.
Of wariest gouernment to happiest wight,
Cannot perswade him but that this is true,
That lightsome day will turne to darksome night,
That times most long haue end and what doth vade,
Is little better then a very shade.
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9. Reioyce in youth, fulfill desire, yet know God iudgeth all,
10. To clense thy hart, & wicked flesh: graue age, vain youth doth cal.
10. To clense thy hart, & wicked flesh: graue age, vain youth doth cal.
9.
Delight he then in what so ere he please,
In youth, in beauty, strength, or wealthy store,
Let him delight himselfe, in vse of these,
And cheare his hart (as cause he hath) therefore
Yet let him thinke death knocketh at his dore.
In youth, in beauty, strength, or wealthy store,
Let him delight himselfe, in vse of these,
And cheare his hart (as cause he hath) therefore
Yet let him thinke death knocketh at his dore.
And that they all, do vanish with their wayes,
That God alone remayneth euer fure,
That only vertue with vs longest stayes,
And can eternall blessednesse procure,
When to the iudgement of a God seuere,
Our workes must come, who all in mind doth beare.
That God alone remayneth euer fure,
That only vertue with vs longest stayes,
And can eternall blessednesse procure,
When to the iudgement of a God seuere,
Our workes must come, who all in mind doth beare.
10.
Let him, and all the wise whilst yet they may,
Prepare themselues to beare with chearefull mind,
The fierce assaults, in death that for vs stay,
And but by faith can strong resistance find,
Since all our other workes come short behind.
Prepare themselues to beare with chearefull mind,
The fierce assaults, in death that for vs stay,
And but by faith can strong resistance find,
Since all our other workes come short behind.
Let vs abandon euery wicked way,
And lay our treasure vp in heauen aboue,
Youth is a flowre that springeth out in May,
But euery frost or blast doth soone remoue,
But heauen and heauenly ioyes will still remaine,
When youth and earthly works proue meerely vaine.
And lay our treasure vp in heauen aboue,
Youth is a flowre that springeth out in May,
But euery frost or blast doth soone remoue,
But heauen and heauenly ioyes will still remaine,
When youth and earthly works proue meerely vaine.
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Chap. 12.
1. Remember thy creator then, in these thy youthfull dayes,
Ere croked age all pleasure to thy lothed life denayes.
Ere croked age all pleasure to thy lothed life denayes.
1.
And since thou canst not shun deaths fatall day,
And as the tree doth fall so shall it rise,
(Whilst yet thou mayst) prepare a quiet way
Vnto thy soule, which in such danger lies,
If thou in time reliefe do not deuise.
And as the tree doth fall so shall it rise,
(Whilst yet thou mayst) prepare a quiet way
Vnto thy soule, which in such danger lies,
If thou in time reliefe do not deuise.
The earth and earthly things, do helpe denay,
Heauen is the harbor, where thy soule doth dwell,
Let not thy hope on earth then longer stay,
But it and workes thereof from hart expell,
Delay no time in hope long life to haue,
Youth may, age must, ere long time go to graue.
Heauen is the harbor, where thy soule doth dwell,
Let not thy hope on earth then longer stay,
But it and workes thereof from hart expell,
Delay no time in hope long life to haue,
Youth may, age must, ere long time go to graue.
To heauen thy progresse thou dost wish to make,
Then cloth thy selfe accordingly therefore,
The clogs of worldly loue and lust forsake,
And thinke them burdens to thee euermore,
And in thy life, haue lights of vertue store.
Then cloth thy selfe accordingly therefore,
The clogs of worldly loue and lust forsake,
And thinke them burdens to thee euermore,
And in thy life, haue lights of vertue store.
Let thought of thy creator thee awake
From sinnes of youth, hart burdensome in age,
Remember God account of thee will take,
If thy repentance not his wrath asswage,
Yea leaue thou sinne, ere lust leaue tempting thee,
Thy abstinence else, cannot vertue bee.
From sinnes of youth, hart burdensome in age,
Remember God account of thee will take,
If thy repentance not his wrath asswage,
Yea leaue thou sinne, ere lust leaue tempting thee,
Thy abstinence else, cannot vertue bee.
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2. Whilst sunne, moone, stars seeme light: and rayny clouds are farre,
3. Whilst keepers of thy house are strong, whose pillers stedfast are.
3. Whilst keepers of thy house are strong, whose pillers stedfast are.
2.
The feeble members which haue lost their might,
(Through which their senses did affection proue)
No maruell now, if they take lesse delight
In vaine prospects which they tofore did loue,
Since they the meanes do want doth liking moue.
(Through which their senses did affection proue)
No maruell now, if they take lesse delight
In vaine prospects which they tofore did loue,
Since they the meanes do want doth liking moue.
The sunne, moone, stars (heauens ornamēt, earths light)
Can yeeld small comfort to the senslesse corse,
When all thy ioynts begin by day and night,
Do tyre thy life, and breed the soules remorse,
No maruell if thou then, proue continent,
But thou shouldst temp'rance euen in youth frequent.
Can yeeld small comfort to the senslesse corse,
When all thy ioynts begin by day and night,
Do tyre thy life, and breed the soules remorse,
No maruell if thou then, proue continent,
But thou shouldst temp'rance euen in youth frequent.
3.
Before this glorious building do decay,
Wherein thy soule doth soiourne as a guest,
Thy comely body which erecteth aye,
The thought and eyes to heauen as mansion blest,
Grow feeble, and therein thou find no rest.
Wherein thy soule doth soiourne as a guest,
Thy comely body which erecteth aye,
The thought and eyes to heauen as mansion blest,
Grow feeble, and therein thou find no rest.
When trembling hand, his duety doth denay,
And brainefalne thighes, and legs bend vnder thee,
When lamed limbs on others strength must stay,
And crouches (in their steed) of force must bee,
What time thou twise a child, shalt weary grow,
That thou the strength of youth didst euer know.
And brainefalne thighes, and legs bend vnder thee,
When lamed limbs on others strength must stay,
And crouches (in their steed) of force must bee,
What time thou twise a child, shalt weary grow,
That thou the strength of youth didst euer know.
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Ere teeth wax few, and windowes closd, deny thy eyes the light.
4. And dore shut vp, thy grinding iaws, to chaw haue lost their might.
4. And dore shut vp, thy grinding iaws, to chaw haue lost their might.
Before the Cators of thy diet fayle,
Those Iuorie teeth which do thy food prepare,
Which lost or loose, their labours not auayle,
But broths and minst-meats must become thy share,
And sharpned knife, thy toothlesse gums must spare.
Those Iuorie teeth which do thy food prepare,
Which lost or loose, their labours not auayle,
But broths and minst-meats must become thy share,
And sharpned knife, thy toothlesse gums must spare.
Before that darksome mists thy eyes assayle,
Whose watchfull sight thy Centinell should bee,
When (christall humor failing) they shall quayle,
And spectacles must teach them now to see,
Or closed windowes force thee take thy leaue
Of worlds vaine shades, which did the soule deceaue.
Whose watchfull sight thy Centinell should bee,
When (christall humor failing) they shall quayle,
And spectacles must teach them now to see,
Or closed windowes force thee take thy leaue
Of worlds vaine shades, which did the soule deceaue.
4.
Before thy wanny cheekes sinke hollowed in,
(In which well formed words should fashion haue)
And corrall lips which haue their portall bin,
And plyant tongue which elocution gaue,
Now faltering signes, for interpretors do craue.
(In which well formed words should fashion haue)
And corrall lips which haue their portall bin,
And plyant tongue which elocution gaue,
Now faltering signes, for interpretors do craue.
Whilst those white cliffes (the bounders which begin,
The repercussion causing sweet resound)
Stand firme on rocke of their iaw ioyning chin,
Through which they gracious passage somtimes sound,
And form'd that powrefull gift of eloquence,
The root of sweet content and sharp offence.
The repercussion causing sweet resound)
Stand firme on rocke of their iaw ioyning chin,
Through which they gracious passage somtimes sound,
And form'd that powrefull gift of eloquence,
The root of sweet content and sharp offence.
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Ere sleeplesse braine, at birds voice start, and singing pipes be base.
5. And high assents, do make thee feard, and almonds bud on face.
5. And high assents, do make thee feard, and almonds bud on face.
Before thy dryed braynes doe rest denye
Vnto thy tyred bones, and carefull mind,
And comfortlesse the longsome night thou lye
In bed (thy graue) for ease tofore assignd,
And starts at each birds chirpe, or puffe of wind.
Vnto thy tyred bones, and carefull mind,
And comfortlesse the longsome night thou lye
In bed (thy graue) for ease tofore assignd,
And starts at each birds chirpe, or puffe of wind.
Before thy organe pypes with horcenesse dry,
Restraine the passage of thy breathing voyce,
Wherewith (resembling heauens true harmony)
Thy musicke notes vsed eares and hearts reioyce,
In liew whereof should hollow coffes succeede,
Which in corrupted loongs obstructions breed.
Restraine the passage of thy breathing voyce,
Wherewith (resembling heauens true harmony)
Thy musicke notes vsed eares and hearts reioyce,
In liew whereof should hollow coffes succeede,
Which in corrupted loongs obstructions breed.
5.
Before thou tyr'd at euery step must stay,
And clamber small assents on hand and knee,
And stumbling at each straw lyes in the way,
A spectacle of feeble nature bee,
To all that doth thy fearefull fashion see.
And clamber small assents on hand and knee,
And stumbling at each straw lyes in the way,
A spectacle of feeble nature bee,
To all that doth thy fearefull fashion see.
Before the harbengers of age (I say)
Euen griesly haires do blossome on thy chin,
(Which for most part declyning state bewray,
As Almond bud, showes sommer to begin)
Prepare thy selfe, for death the haruest due,
Which after spring time, must of course insue.
Euen griesly haires do blossome on thy chin,
(Which for most part declyning state bewray,
As Almond bud, showes sommer to begin)
Prepare thy selfe, for death the haruest due,
Which after spring time, must of course insue.
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Ere weaknesse make the grashopper, a burden seeme, and lust
Consume, for sure concupiscence, with age doth weare to dust.
Consume, for sure concupiscence, with age doth weare to dust.
Before the childish toyes of infants lust,
Begin to want the wings of warmed blood,
And that thy body yeeld (as once it must)
To age, by which that humor is withstood,
To leaue the vse thereof I thinke it good.
Begin to want the wings of warmed blood,
And that thy body yeeld (as once it must)
To age, by which that humor is withstood,
To leaue the vse thereof I thinke it good.
For looke how of May deaw, and sommers dust,
The wanton Grashopper doth quickly grow,
And singes in haruest tide vntill he brust,
So doth lusts pleasure vanish ere you know,
Like to Ephemeris, that Tanaish flie,
Morne bred, noone borne, that very night to die.
The wanton Grashopper doth quickly grow,
And singes in haruest tide vntill he brust,
So doth lusts pleasure vanish ere you know,
Like to Ephemeris, that Tanaish flie,
Morne bred, noone borne, that very night to die.
Not those faire frutes which by Gemorra grow,
Which touched once, straight vnto dust do fall,
Are more deceitfull then this sinne in show,
Nor yet that fruit which first deceiu'd vs all,
Although regard thereof we haue but small.
Which touched once, straight vnto dust do fall,
Are more deceitfull then this sinne in show,
Nor yet that fruit which first deceiu'd vs all,
Although regard thereof we haue but small.
Lust like a Torrent soone doth ouerflow,
If that accesse of nutriment abound,
But in a moment straight it waxeth low,
As by experience hath bene euer found:
Not Ammons (of faire Thamor) foule desyre
So fierce, but quencht, with loathing did retyre.
If that accesse of nutriment abound,
But in a moment straight it waxeth low,
As by experience hath bene euer found:
Not Ammons (of faire Thamor) foule desyre
So fierce, but quencht, with loathing did retyre.
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Before in ages bed (thy graue) thou lie, whilst thee they morne.
6. Thy siluer cord and golden ewre, and liues pure cesterne worne,
6. Thy siluer cord and golden ewre, and liues pure cesterne worne,
Then leaue that lothsome snare of humane kind,
The common cankor of the best concait,
Most powrefull passion that doth reason blind,
And to more brutish sins, th'alluring bait,
And thinke on death which doth on thee awaight.
The common cankor of the best concait,
Most powrefull passion that doth reason blind,
And to more brutish sins, th'alluring bait,
And thinke on death which doth on thee awaight.
Suppose each ringing knell puts thee in mind,
That thou art in the way vnto thy graue,
Take heed that death thee vnprepar'd not find,
But so in all thy life, thy selfe behaue,
As if thou were the man whose turne is next,
And wouldst not with a sudden death be vext.
That thou art in the way vnto thy graue,
Take heed that death thee vnprepar'd not find,
But so in all thy life, thy selfe behaue,
As if thou were the man whose turne is next,
And wouldst not with a sudden death be vext.
6.
Before (I say) the vitall spirits faile,
Or that thy radick humors all be spent,
That cramps do siluer cords of raynes assaile,
And natures intercourse no more be sent
From liuer hart and braine as earst it went.
Or that thy radick humors all be spent,
That cramps do siluer cords of raynes assaile,
And natures intercourse no more be sent
From liuer hart and braine as earst it went.
Before warme bloud with I sey-fleame do quaile,
And pulslesse leaue thy ouer emptie vaine,
Before the (cesterne made for liues auaile)
Thy stomake now no sustenance retaine,
But all the wheles of nature lacking strength
To giue them motion, they do faile at length.
And pulslesse leaue thy ouer emptie vaine,
Before the (cesterne made for liues auaile)
Thy stomake now no sustenance retaine,
But all the wheles of nature lacking strength
To giue them motion, they do faile at length.
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7. And flesh to dust, thy spright to God returne that it did make:
8. For all is vaine (the preacher saith) and all will vs forsake.
8. For all is vaine (the preacher saith) and all will vs forsake.
7.
For then (be sure) thy dayes are neere an end,
And flesh dissolued turneth vnto dust,
Then yeeld thereto, before perforce thou bend,
And in thy strength of youth repose no trust,
Nor place thy ioy in earth or earthly lust.
And flesh dissolued turneth vnto dust,
Then yeeld thereto, before perforce thou bend,
And in thy strength of youth repose no trust,
Nor place thy ioy in earth or earthly lust.
Thy nobler part (thy soule) it did descend
From God, first mouer of all life and grace,
Who therefore doth chiefe interest pretend
In thee and it, and will thy soule imbrace,
Amidst the heauens of his eternall rest,
If faith and loue haue once thy way adrest.
From God, first mouer of all life and grace,
Who therefore doth chiefe interest pretend
In thee and it, and will thy soule imbrace,
Amidst the heauens of his eternall rest,
If faith and loue haue once thy way adrest.
8.
Thus haue I (sayth this Preacher) proued true,
The proposition that I first did make,
That earthly things are vaine in vse and view,
That in them we, can not sound comfort take,
And that in th'end we must them all forsake.
The proposition that I first did make,
That earthly things are vaine in vse and view,
That in them we, can not sound comfort take,
And that in th'end we must them all forsake.
That wisedome only, vertue should insue,
And vertue is the way to happinesse,
Which after death, doth life againe renue,
A life more happie then the world can gesse,
When we shall liue from lewd affections free,
And in that world no vaine delights shall bee.
And vertue is the way to happinesse,
Which after death, doth life againe renue,
A life more happie then the world can gesse,
When we shall liue from lewd affections free,
And in that world no vaine delights shall bee.
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9. These things and more he spake, for more he knew the more he taught,
His people knowledge, for their good, in all his words he sought.
His people knowledge, for their good, in all his words he sought.
9.
Full many other learned workes beside
He wrote, for more he knew the more he taught,
Whereby themselues the godly sort might guide,
Vnto the wisedome which they wrongly sought,
And he with care and study dearely bought.
He wrote, for more he knew the more he taught,
Whereby themselues the godly sort might guide,
Vnto the wisedome which they wrongly sought,
And he with care and study dearely bought.
Three thousand morall rules in writ abide,
In prouerbs and in adages for skill,
So sound that they worlds censure may abide,
And to a ciuill life reduce thee will,
Without offence of lawes, and with content
Of such with whom thou daily shalt frequent.
In prouerbs and in adages for skill,
So sound that they worlds censure may abide,
And to a ciuill life reduce thee will,
Without offence of lawes, and with content
Of such with whom thou daily shalt frequent.
Of natures workes with supernaturall skill,
He many volumes did compose likewise,
Not curious workes as some profanely will,
Of Alcumy, or iudgements which arise
By heauenly motions, farre aboue the skies.
He many volumes did compose likewise,
Not curious workes as some profanely will,
Of Alcumy, or iudgements which arise
By heauenly motions, farre aboue the skies.
But he his knowledge hath contained still,
Within the lawfull bounds of Gods decree,
And therefore many volumes he did fill
With medcinable vse, of things which bee
Abstracted out, of tree, shrub, mettall, stone,
Of beast, fish, fowle, and creatures euery one.
Within the lawfull bounds of Gods decree,
And therefore many volumes he did fill
With medcinable vse, of things which bee
Abstracted out, of tree, shrub, mettall, stone,
Of beast, fish, fowle, and creatures euery one.
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He sought by parables to giue, them precepts how to liue.
10. And with adorned words, to them he doubly grace did giue.
10. And with adorned words, to them he doubly grace did giue.
His heauenly Muse with wings of zeale did fly
Aboue the common pitch of earthly men,
And so inflamed were his thoughts thereby,
With holy liking of his loue as then,
That he could not containe his gratefull pen.
Aboue the common pitch of earthly men,
And so inflamed were his thoughts thereby,
With holy liking of his loue as then,
That he could not containe his gratefull pen.
In thousand songs and fiue his powers did try,
The prayses of his sacred soules delight,
In whom sweet peace and loue he did espy,
Which from him, loue of world did banish quight;
Among the which that song of songs by name,
Describes her beautie, did him so inflame.
The prayses of his sacred soules delight,
In whom sweet peace and loue he did espy,
Which from him, loue of world did banish quight;
Among the which that song of songs by name,
Describes her beautie, did him so inflame.
10.
But this his large discourse was chiefly ment,
To teach the world to know how farre they stray,
That do by earthly helpes a meane inuent
To leade their liues vnto a happie day,
Since nature wholy doth the same denay.
To teach the world to know how farre they stray,
That do by earthly helpes a meane inuent
To leade their liues vnto a happie day,
Since nature wholy doth the same denay.
Which (for it crosseth carnall mens content,
And hardly may amongst most wise haue place)
By this most pleasant stile, about he went
To giue to naked truth a comely grace:
For hardly can corrupted man digest
Right wholesome food, vnlesse it well be drest.
And hardly may amongst most wise haue place)
By this most pleasant stile, about he went
To giue to naked truth a comely grace:
For hardly can corrupted man digest
Right wholesome food, vnlesse it well be drest.
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11. For wise words, are like goades and nailes which workmens hands do ding
12. Vaine bookes and reading shun, they weariness of flesh do bring.
12. Vaine bookes and reading shun, they weariness of flesh do bring.
11.
And wise mens sayings, spoken to the wise,
Well fraught with matter couched well by art,
Adornd with words, and figures (whence arise
Content vnto the eare, and moue the hart)
Most soone do worke impressions in each part.
Well fraught with matter couched well by art,
Adornd with words, and figures (whence arise
Content vnto the eare, and moue the hart)
Most soone do worke impressions in each part.
And as they sooner pierce, so firmlier lies,
The mind resolued in such fownded ground,
Than any planke or post you can deuise,
With nayle (by hammers) forced nere to sound;
And such this princely Prophets words esteeme,
Which are more waighty far, theē thou woulst deeme.
The mind resolued in such fownded ground,
Than any planke or post you can deuise,
With nayle (by hammers) forced nere to sound;
And such this princely Prophets words esteeme,
Which are more waighty far, theē thou woulst deeme.
12.
And let this graue aduice of father mild,
Which louingly he wrote, I bring to thee,
Be neuer from thy hart so farre exild,
That with the world againe sedust thou bee,
Wherein is nought but wretchednesse you see.
Which louingly he wrote, I bring to thee,
Be neuer from thy hart so farre exild,
That with the world againe sedust thou bee,
Wherein is nought but wretchednesse you see.
And striue to practise as you knowledge build,
Else is your learning vnto little end,
These many bookes where with this world is fild,
Do slender profit to the readers lend,
Which stuft with words of superficiall show,
But little fruit by them to world doth grow.
Else is your learning vnto little end,
These many bookes where with this world is fild,
Do slender profit to the readers lend,
Which stuft with words of superficiall show,
But little fruit by them to world doth grow.
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13. Heare th'end of all; feare God, & keepe his law, this is man's dew:
14. For God wil iudge ech work, & bring our secret thoghts to vew.
14. For God wil iudge ech work, & bring our secret thoghts to vew.
13.
The end of all true wise dome is in this,
To know the will of God, and it obserue;
To know his will, and yet to walke amis,
A double chastisement must needs deserue,
Then feare henceforth therefro so oft to swarue.
To know the will of God, and it obserue;
To know his will, and yet to walke amis,
A double chastisement must needs deserue,
Then feare henceforth therefro so oft to swarue.
No seruile feare which I perswade it is,
But such as gratefull child to parent owes,
VVho though he feele the smart, the rod will kisse,
Because the fruit of fathers loue he knowes;
And this doth God require of man indeed,
That our obedience should from loue proceed.
But such as gratefull child to parent owes,
VVho though he feele the smart, the rod will kisse,
Because the fruit of fathers loue he knowes;
And this doth God require of man indeed,
That our obedience should from loue proceed.
14.
The breach whereof will heauie iudgement call,
When God the searcher of the heart and raines,
Shall vnto reckning with vs for them fall,
And pay our passed ioyes with lasting paines;
For sinfull worke no other guerdon gaines.
When God the searcher of the heart and raines,
Shall vnto reckning with vs for them fall,
And pay our passed ioyes with lasting paines;
For sinfull worke no other guerdon gaines.
O happie then shall they be most of all,
VVhose heedfull liues, in holy workes were spent,
The gaine of this their trauell, is not small;
For blessed they the narrow path that went.
And though this narrow gate few enter in,
Yet who runs on this race, the prize shall win.
VVhose heedfull liues, in holy workes were spent,
The gaine of this their trauell, is not small;
For blessed they the narrow path that went.
And though this narrow gate few enter in,
Yet who runs on this race, the prize shall win.
| Ecclesiastes, otherwise called the Preacher | |