The poetical works of Thomas Traherne faithfully reprinted from the author's original manuscript together with Poems of Felicity reprinted from the Burney manuscript and Poems from Various Sources: Edited with preface and notes by Gladys I. Wade |
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 | The poetical works of Thomas Traherne |  |
IV
[Were all the World a Paradice of Ease]
Were all the World a Paradice of Ease
'Twere easie then to live in Peace.
Were all men Wise, Divine, and Innocent,
Just, Holy, Peaceful, and Content,
Kind, Loving, True, and alwaies Good,
As in the Golden-Age they stood;
'Twere easie then to live
In all Delight and Glory, full of Love,
Blest as the Angels are above.
'Twere easie then to live in Peace.
Were all men Wise, Divine, and Innocent,
Just, Holy, Peaceful, and Content,
Kind, Loving, True, and alwaies Good,
As in the Golden-Age they stood;
'Twere easie then to live
In all Delight and Glory, full of Love,
Blest as the Angels are above.
But we such Principles must now attain,
(If we true Blessedness would gain)
As those are, which will help to make us reign
Over Disorders, Injuries,
Ingratitudes, Calamities,
Affronts, Oppressions, Slanders, Wrongs,
Lies, Angers, bitter Tongues,
The reach of Malice must surmount, and quell
The very Rage, and Power of Hell.
(If we true Blessedness would gain)
As those are, which will help to make us reign
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Ingratitudes, Calamities,
Affronts, Oppressions, Slanders, Wrongs,
Lies, Angers, bitter Tongues,
The reach of Malice must surmount, and quell
The very Rage, and Power of Hell.
| The poetical works of Thomas Traherne | |