The poems of George Daniel ... From the original mss. in the British Museum: Hitherto unprinted. Edited, with introduction, notes, and illustrations, portrait, &c. By the Rev. Alexander B. Grosart: In four volumes |
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Eclesiasticus:
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| XI. |
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| III, IV. |
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 | The poems of George Daniel |  |
207
Eclesiasticus:
OR, The Wisedome of Iesus, the son of Syrach; Paraphrased.
A te Principium, tibi desinet, accipe iussis
Carmina cœpta tuis, atque hanc sine tempore Circum
Inter victrices hederam tibi serpere Lauros.
Carmina cœpta tuis, atque hanc sine tempore Circum
Inter victrices hederam tibi serpere Lauros.
XI Ianij: Anno Domini CIC.ICC.XXXIX.
By G: D:
209
The Induction to the worke.
Loe, this the Muse who variously did sing
And soar'd at Randome, with an Idle wing;
Told younger yeares the Passions of Love,
In broken Accents, as sick thoughts did prove;
First the disdaine, then sung the Solemne rites
To Himen's tryumph,—nuptiall delights.
Who now (transform'd) put on a Satyr's brow,
And touch't the vices which the Times did know.
Sometimes, with better Thoughts, has sung a storie,
In holy Rapture, of Cœlestiall glory;
Of worldly vanities, brought somewhat lower,
Has sung the beauties of devine Pudore;
His second Love, the Darling of his soule,
Charginge the waters Neighbouring as they roule,
To sound her Name vnto the After-times,
Least she might be forgotten in weake rimes;
Rimes far vnworthy to record her Name,
But they shall Live, & she surviue to Fame.
And soar'd at Randome, with an Idle wing;
Told younger yeares the Passions of Love,
In broken Accents, as sick thoughts did prove;
First the disdaine, then sung the Solemne rites
To Himen's tryumph,—nuptiall delights.
Who now (transform'd) put on a Satyr's brow,
And touch't the vices which the Times did know.
Sometimes, with better Thoughts, has sung a storie,
In holy Rapture, of Cœlestiall glory;
Of worldly vanities, brought somewhat lower,
Has sung the beauties of devine Pudore;
His second Love, the Darling of his soule,
Charginge the waters Neighbouring as they roule,
To sound her Name vnto the After-times,
Least she might be forgotten in weake rimes;
Rimes far vnworthy to record her Name,
But they shall Live, & she surviue to Fame.
210
Hath wept the Funeralls of Buckingham,
And Herbert's Death, with some of lower Name,
Recorded vertuous; & hath paid a verse
To Iohnson's vrne, & wept vpon his Herse;
Ioyn'd with the Muses, Strongly to defend
The force of Numbers; wth a select freind,
Worthy Amintas, in an easie strife;
This for the Citty, That a Country Life.
Lastly, (as Tribute) to Great Brittaine's King,
Did as his vertues, soe his Glories sing;
With his faire Queene, our hopes, their happie Ioyes;
In English Roses, and the French De-Liz.
Now fixeth here: and as a Pilgrim sent
A holy voyage, wh devout intent
I tread these Steps; & ere I fall to write
Am Ceis'd wh admiration and delight;
I am afraid of shadowes in the Land,
Where I a Pilgrim and a stranger stand;
I looke to this, & see, on th' other side,
A diverse way; alas, I want a Gvide!
The Morneing calls mee early from my Rest,
I see the sun, I fix vpon the East;
Yonder I thinke to goe to; but ere I,
A while haue gone, I am led diversly;
I wander with the sun, at Night return,
(With fruitles Labour) where I was at Morne.
And Herbert's Death, with some of lower Name,
Recorded vertuous; & hath paid a verse
To Iohnson's vrne, & wept vpon his Herse;
Ioyn'd with the Muses, Strongly to defend
The force of Numbers; wth a select freind,
Worthy Amintas, in an easie strife;
This for the Citty, That a Country Life.
Lastly, (as Tribute) to Great Brittaine's King,
Did as his vertues, soe his Glories sing;
With his faire Queene, our hopes, their happie Ioyes;
In English Roses, and the French De-Liz.
Now fixeth here: and as a Pilgrim sent
A holy voyage, wh devout intent
I tread these Steps; & ere I fall to write
Am Ceis'd wh admiration and delight;
I am afraid of shadowes in the Land,
Where I a Pilgrim and a stranger stand;
I looke to this, & see, on th' other side,
A diverse way; alas, I want a Gvide!
The Morneing calls mee early from my Rest,
I see the sun, I fix vpon the East;
Yonder I thinke to goe to; but ere I,
A while haue gone, I am led diversly;
I wander with the sun, at Night return,
(With fruitles Labour) where I was at Morne.
O Lead mee, Lord! in this soe anxious Maze,
Revert my feet into the perfect waies;
And be my Conduct in a Land Remote,
Where men are Monsters, People know mee not;
To the sweet Hills, the Hills of Solima',
Where the bright morneing doth her wings display;
Soe to the Holy Cittie, which doth now
(Ingratefull Citie) lye like ruines low;
To thy belovéd Sion, where of Old
Thy Prophets have their Revelations told;
Where Ishai's son did to thy Musique frame
Loud songs of Praise, to Celebrate thy Name;
Vnto the doore of that fal'n Temple which
His son erected, beautifiéd with rich
And curious workemanship; where that wise King,
(Wise in the Misterie of every Thing;
Who had tried all the waies to give content
Follye could prompt, or wisedome could Invent,)
Re-call'd Himselfe. O what, what haue I done?
What new thing is there to the King vnknowne?
What Mundane thing? What? but the King did trie,
Yet all is vanitie, meere vanitie.
Where Syrach's son, (a second Solomon
For teaching vertue & Instruction)
Did vtter these. Oh, thither bring mee once,
That I, with Ioy, may kisse the sacred stones,
That I may know to Render in our tongue
The Lessons which he to the Hebrewes sung;
Vnfold darke sayings, Hidden things recall
Vnto our Light, from the Originall.
Revert my feet into the perfect waies;
And be my Conduct in a Land Remote,
211
To the sweet Hills, the Hills of Solima',
Where the bright morneing doth her wings display;
Soe to the Holy Cittie, which doth now
(Ingratefull Citie) lye like ruines low;
To thy belovéd Sion, where of Old
Thy Prophets have their Revelations told;
Where Ishai's son did to thy Musique frame
Loud songs of Praise, to Celebrate thy Name;
Vnto the doore of that fal'n Temple which
His son erected, beautifiéd with rich
And curious workemanship; where that wise King,
(Wise in the Misterie of every Thing;
Who had tried all the waies to give content
Follye could prompt, or wisedome could Invent,)
Re-call'd Himselfe. O what, what haue I done?
What new thing is there to the King vnknowne?
What Mundane thing? What? but the King did trie,
Yet all is vanitie, meere vanitie.
Where Syrach's son, (a second Solomon
For teaching vertue & Instruction)
Did vtter these. Oh, thither bring mee once,
That I, with Ioy, may kisse the sacred stones,
That I may know to Render in our tongue
The Lessons which he to the Hebrewes sung;
Vnfold darke sayings, Hidden things recall
Vnto our Light, from the Originall.
Ah! deare, I faint: can only this vnsolve,
The sentences which wisedome doth involve?
Noe other way must I needs Syon see?
Lord, thou art Sion; thou art all to Mee!
Thou art all Language, every tongue is thine;
Shed in my Soule thy Rayes; a Heart Divine
Into my fancye, soe apt euerie word,
It may be vsefull, and with Truth accord.
Let my Imperfect Accents Strike the Eares
Of Men who scorne the Harmony of verse;
Let them confess that verse may Comprehend
Fullnes of Matter; and not, Madly Blind,
Persist in Error; that there cannot be
Those heights of Wisedome seene in Poesie;
Not that I seeke a Glory in the Thing;
Far be it from Mee, but that I may bring
More honour to thy Name. Oh, let mee Call
It noe more Mine, I would Resigne it all;
May I not thinke it, as the Thing I did
But as a Stranger, soe fall to & read;
Not looke vpon it wth the Partiall Eye
Of blind Affection or Proprietie;
Quash my Affections, & Subdue my thought,
That I may value all my owne as nought.
The sentences which wisedome doth involve?
212
Lord, thou art Sion; thou art all to Mee!
Thou art all Language, every tongue is thine;
Shed in my Soule thy Rayes; a Heart Divine
Into my fancye, soe apt euerie word,
It may be vsefull, and with Truth accord.
Let my Imperfect Accents Strike the Eares
Of Men who scorne the Harmony of verse;
Let them confess that verse may Comprehend
Fullnes of Matter; and not, Madly Blind,
Persist in Error; that there cannot be
Those heights of Wisedome seene in Poesie;
Not that I seeke a Glory in the Thing;
Far be it from Mee, but that I may bring
More honour to thy Name. Oh, let mee Call
It noe more Mine, I would Resigne it all;
May I not thinke it, as the Thing I did
But as a Stranger, soe fall to & read;
Not looke vpon it wth the Partiall Eye
Of blind Affection or Proprietie;
Quash my Affections, & Subdue my thought,
That I may value all my owne as nought.
Be it enough, 'tis done to Glorifie
Thy Name, & reinforme Posteritie
The way to Goodnes; I can aske noe more,
But lay an humble offering at the doore.
Thy Name, & reinforme Posteritie
The way to Goodnes; I can aske noe more,
But lay an humble offering at the doore.
Seale I my vowes then, and depart in Peace;
For though I vtter more, I might Speak less.
For though I vtter more, I might Speak less.
213
I. Cap. i.
God only wise, Wise Ever; and shall be
Full in his Wisedome, to Eternitie.
Who can account with nice Arithmeticke
The Sands which floore the Sea? or who can seeke,
With curious Inquisition, eyther what
Drops fall in showers? or give the world a Date?
Or what more subtle Art can rightly give
The height of Heaven? or more then vainly strive
To Specifie the Earth? how must it be
Or in the breadth, or the Profunditie?
The wisedome of the Lord who can attaine,
Wch hath beene Ever, and shall Ever shine?
When nothing was, then Wisedome only was,
And only there where yet she is in place.
The Spring of Wisedome and the source of All
Is in the word of God Misteriall;
And the Eternall Pandicts which he writt,
Stand as the Gate or Entrance vnto it.
Who knowes the Root of wisedome? Or who can
Catch at the Raies of Knowledge? Or what Man
Can apprehend the Sacred Misteries
Of Wisedome? Or but where the Entrace is?
There is One Wise, and there is only one,
Ev'n the Most High, who sitts vpon the Throne,
The Almighty King of Power; He is the Lord,
Who did create her by his mighty word.
Hee, only Hee, hath seene her; and survayed
Her true dimensions, and her Light displaied
In all his worke. How much resplendent She!
How lucent in all flesh! and graciously,
In an aboundant Measure, he doth store
All such as love him, and his Name Adore!
Full in his Wisedome, to Eternitie.
Who can account with nice Arithmeticke
The Sands which floore the Sea? or who can seeke,
With curious Inquisition, eyther what
Drops fall in showers? or give the world a Date?
Or what more subtle Art can rightly give
The height of Heaven? or more then vainly strive
To Specifie the Earth? how must it be
Or in the breadth, or the Profunditie?
The wisedome of the Lord who can attaine,
Wch hath beene Ever, and shall Ever shine?
When nothing was, then Wisedome only was,
And only there where yet she is in place.
The Spring of Wisedome and the source of All
Is in the word of God Misteriall;
And the Eternall Pandicts which he writt,
Stand as the Gate or Entrance vnto it.
Who knowes the Root of wisedome? Or who can
Catch at the Raies of Knowledge? Or what Man
214
Of Wisedome? Or but where the Entrace is?
There is One Wise, and there is only one,
Ev'n the Most High, who sitts vpon the Throne,
The Almighty King of Power; He is the Lord,
Who did create her by his mighty word.
Hee, only Hee, hath seene her; and survayed
Her true dimensions, and her Light displaied
In all his worke. How much resplendent She!
How lucent in all flesh! and graciously,
In an aboundant Measure, he doth store
All such as love him, and his Name Adore!
The feare of God is glory and Content,
Filling a Soule with Sacred Ravishment;
It is a Crowne of Honour, & doth give
Felicitye & Ioy to Attend Long Life.
Thrice happie Hee, and more than happy thrice,
Who feares the Lord; him will not he despise,
But Bless, and favour, when the time shall come,
With a mild Sentence, and a gracious Doome.
Filling a Soule with Sacred Ravishment;
It is a Crowne of Honour, & doth give
Felicitye & Ioy to Attend Long Life.
Thrice happie Hee, and more than happy thrice,
Who feares the Lord; him will not he despise,
But Bless, and favour, when the time shall come,
With a mild Sentence, and a gracious Doome.
The Love of God doth dignifie a Name
With Wisdome, to a never-dying Fame.
The Iust are seasonéd with a Holie feare
Of God, ev'n in the wombe; which, as it were,
Gives them Admittance to the Notion
Of Misteries in Knowledge; it is on
Selected Woemen; and is ever knowne,
With the Iust Man to Admiration.
With Wisdome, to a never-dying Fame.
The Iust are seasonéd with a Holie feare
Of God, ev'n in the wombe; which, as it were,
Gives them Admittance to the Notion
Of Misteries in Knowledge; it is on
Selected Woemen; and is ever knowne,
With the Iust Man to Admiration.
The Feare of God is holy knowledge; which
Shall not preserve but Iustifie as much;
Adds comfort to the Heart, and maketh whole
A contrite Spirit, & a wounded Soule:
Prosperitie, his Life shall ever Blesse;
And when he dyes, he shall depart in Peace.
215
Adds comfort to the Heart, and maketh whole
A contrite Spirit, & a wounded Soule:
Prosperitie, his Life shall ever Blesse;
And when he dyes, he shall depart in Peace.
The Feare of God is full fruition
Of Wisedome, and it is in that alone;
She fills the house with Ioy, and she doth Blesse
The Garners with a full & large encrease;
Which both are gifts of Heaven. It is the Crowne
Of Wisedome, and a true Perfection,
To feare the Lord; it giueth health and Peace.
Hee numbred hath and seene her, what she is;
She showers downe knowledge, and doth apt the Mind
For vnderstanding, in the fullest kind;
Honour attends her Steps: and Honour must
(Soe Heaven is pleaséd) gratifie the Iust.
Of Wisedome, and it is in that alone;
She fills the house with Ioy, and she doth Blesse
The Garners with a full & large encrease;
Which both are gifts of Heaven. It is the Crowne
Of Wisedome, and a true Perfection,
To feare the Lord; it giueth health and Peace.
Hee numbred hath and seene her, what she is;
She showers downe knowledge, and doth apt the Mind
For vnderstanding, in the fullest kind;
Honour attends her Steps: and Honour must
(Soe Heaven is pleaséd) gratifie the Iust.
The root of Wisedome is to feare the Lord,
And her Spred branches shall long Life afford;
Wisedome gives perfect knowledge, and doth bring
Right vnderstanding; truly seasoning
And purgeing minds from Error's filthy blot;
Thus is she Faire, but Sinners love her not.
And her Spred branches shall long Life afford;
Wisedome gives perfect knowledge, and doth bring
Right vnderstanding; truly seasoning
And purgeing minds from Error's filthy blot;
Thus is she Faire, but Sinners love her not.
Where a true feare of God is, there shall Sin
Vanish away, nor ever enter in;
When she is present, Wrath and Anger shall
Noe more be seene, but glide away and fall;
For 't cannot Stand with Anger to be wise,
And Death Attends where wrath doth Tyrranize.
Vanish away, nor ever enter in;
When she is present, Wrath and Anger shall
Noe more be seene, but glide away and fall;
For 't cannot Stand with Anger to be wise,
And Death Attends where wrath doth Tyrranize.
216
But loe, the patient Man endures a Time
And the Reward of Ioy shall fall to Him;
His Lips are Sealed to Anger, and his Name
Shall stand vnspotted in an Ample Fame.
In Wisedome, hidden secrets and darke things
Are seene and knowne; but yet the Sinner brings
Opprobious taunts t' obscure (if it might be)
Her Light, and hates th' Immortal Dietye.
And the Reward of Ioy shall fall to Him;
His Lips are Sealed to Anger, and his Name
Shall stand vnspotted in an Ample Fame.
In Wisedome, hidden secrets and darke things
Are seene and knowne; but yet the Sinner brings
Opprobious taunts t' obscure (if it might be)
Her Light, and hates th' Immortal Dietye.
If Wisdome thou desire, and seeke her waies,
Observe the Law; he is not Wise that Straies;
Keepe the Cōmandments, and she shall be,
In a full Measure, giv'n by God to thee;
For to feare God is full fruition
Of Wisedome; Him whose pleasure is alone
In faith and Meekeness: Be not then to Him
Rebellious, nor obstinate in Crime;
Nor come vnto Him with a double Heart,
Who knowes thy Zeale, a vaine fantastick Art;
Dissemble not with God, nor feigne a Zeale
To Him, from whom thou canst not ought conceale;
Thence may come Scandall to the world, and then,
As th' art despis'd by God, th' art scorn'd by Men.
Doe not alledge thy merit, nor Exalt
Thy selfe to God, least for that only fault
Thy Soule fall to dishonour, and Hee, wroth,
Discover secret Sins, which thy owne Sloth
Or arrogance forgotten had; and thou
Refuseing Mercy, fall in Iustice now,
A Spectacle of Scorne and Miserye;
Neglecting God, and loveing vanitie.
Observe the Law; he is not Wise that Straies;
Keepe the Cōmandments, and she shall be,
In a full Measure, giv'n by God to thee;
For to feare God is full fruition
Of Wisedome; Him whose pleasure is alone
In faith and Meekeness: Be not then to Him
Rebellious, nor obstinate in Crime;
Nor come vnto Him with a double Heart,
Who knowes thy Zeale, a vaine fantastick Art;
Dissemble not with God, nor feigne a Zeale
To Him, from whom thou canst not ought conceale;
Thence may come Scandall to the world, and then,
As th' art despis'd by God, th' art scorn'd by Men.
Doe not alledge thy merit, nor Exalt
Thy selfe to God, least for that only fault
Thy Soule fall to dishonour, and Hee, wroth,
Discover secret Sins, which thy owne Sloth
Or arrogance forgotten had; and thou
Refuseing Mercy, fall in Iustice now,
A Spectacle of Scorne and Miserye;
Neglecting God, and loveing vanitie.
217
II. Chap. ii.
If thou would'st serve the God of Heaven (my Son)
Love Righteousnes; with resolution
Prepare thy selfe t' endure the strong Assaults
Of slye Temptation; scorne the poore Revolts
Of humane frailtye; Let thy Passions be
Subdu'd and Conquer'd by thy Constancy.
Love Righteousnes; with resolution
Prepare thy selfe t' endure the strong Assaults
Of slye Temptation; scorne the poore Revolts
Of humane frailtye; Let thy Passions be
Subdu'd and Conquer'd by thy Constancy.
Be still attent to wisedome, and when ere
Sorrowes assaile thee, Hope in God, with Feare;
Expect from Him, and patiently attend,
That thou mayest be rewarded at thy End;
Abide what happen shall, with Fortitude,
And though Afflictions Change & be renew'd,
Let not thy Soule be troubled; for as 't is
To Gold and Silver, in hot furnaces,
An exact way of tryall, and doth render
The Mettall pure, giveing it worth and Splendor;
Soe Man is tryed and valu'd, as he can
Resist the Batteries of Affliction;
Adversitie the Manners doth refine,
And Adds to Vertue an Immortall Shine.
Sorrowes assaile thee, Hope in God, with Feare;
Expect from Him, and patiently attend,
That thou mayest be rewarded at thy End;
Abide what happen shall, with Fortitude,
And though Afflictions Change & be renew'd,
Let not thy Soule be troubled; for as 't is
To Gold and Silver, in hot furnaces,
An exact way of tryall, and doth render
The Mettall pure, giveing it worth and Splendor;
Soe Man is tryed and valu'd, as he can
Resist the Batteries of Affliction;
Adversitie the Manners doth refine,
And Adds to Vertue an Immortall Shine.
Be constant in the God of Heau'n, confide,
Hee will assist thee, and thy footsteps gvide:
Continue firme in thy Resolues of feare,
And let it Shine vpon thy Silver Haire.
You that Feare him, wait, and expect with Ioy,
For Mercy; neither waver, lest you dye:
Trust in him, you that feare him, and you may
Expect a blessing, which he vowes to pay.
Oh, you that trust in him, let your desires
Be purged in the bright & holy fires
Of Innocence and Vertue, and your Eyes
Fixt on his Mercye and Eternall Ioyes;
And you that Feare him, Love him; which shall give
Ioy to the Heart, in fullnes, whil'st you live.
Hee will assist thee, and thy footsteps gvide:
Continue firme in thy Resolues of feare,
And let it Shine vpon thy Silver Haire.
You that Feare him, wait, and expect with Ioy,
For Mercy; neither waver, lest you dye:
Trust in him, you that feare him, and you may
218
Oh, you that trust in him, let your desires
Be purged in the bright & holy fires
Of Innocence and Vertue, and your Eyes
Fixt on his Mercye and Eternall Ioyes;
And you that Feare him, Love him; which shall give
Ioy to the Heart, in fullnes, whil'st you live.
Looke backe to former Ages, and then stay,
T' examine well, and seriously Survay
If thou was ever one, Iust and vpright,
Of Life vnblemish't, and of humble Spright,
Zealous to God-ward; If ere such a One:
Know Death at all, or saw Confusion:
Whom, whom, hath he forsaken, that but hath
Trusted in him? Or on whom ha's this wrath
Of Heav'n falne, if he to God haue beene
Devout in soule, in hands vnspotted, Cleene?
For God is gratious, and doth looke vpon
The offence of Mankind with Compassion;
Preserveth Sinners in Temptation;
Is a Support and true Salvation.
T' examine well, and seriously Survay
If thou was ever one, Iust and vpright,
Of Life vnblemish't, and of humble Spright,
Zealous to God-ward; If ere such a One:
Know Death at all, or saw Confusion:
Whom, whom, hath he forsaken, that but hath
Trusted in him? Or on whom ha's this wrath
Of Heav'n falne, if he to God haue beene
Devout in soule, in hands vnspotted, Cleene?
For God is gratious, and doth looke vpon
The offence of Mankind with Compassion;
Preserveth Sinners in Temptation;
Is a Support and true Salvation.
Woe vnto Them, they many woes shall find,
Who haue a Devious and a froward Mind;
To those of Lying Lips and bloodie Hands,
And to the Sinner that 'twixt two waies stands.
Who haue a Devious and a froward Mind;
To those of Lying Lips and bloodie Hands,
And to the Sinner that 'twixt two waies stands.
Woe to the Reprobate! whose timerous soule
Vpon the Waves of Doubts and Passions roule;
Hee not beleiveth, therfore shall he be,
(Renouncing Heav'n) vext with Impietye.
Vpon the Waves of Doubts and Passions roule;
Hee not beleiveth, therfore shall he be,
(Renouncing Heav'n) vext with Impietye.
219
Woe vnto you, perverse in Manners, and
You of a bitter Soule, who tott'ring stand,
In a darke Slippery way; what will you doe,
When God in Iustice comes to visit you?
You of a bitter Soule, who tott'ring stand,
In a darke Slippery way; what will you doe,
When God in Iustice comes to visit you?
They will not be repugnant, nor Dissent,
Who feare the Lord, from his Commandement;
And such as him Adore, Sin cannot move
Them, in the Waies of Ioy, of Peace, of Love.
Those that feare him will bend their faculties
To doe the things are pleasing in his Eies;
And those that Love him, and in Truth abide,
Shall stand before him and be Iustified.
They that feare him, will, with Sobrietye
Prepare their hearts, and in Humilitye
New vest their Soules; before him they will be
Constant in faith with true Integritye;
And wait his pleasure; Saying, if wee shall
For Sin be impenitent, we doe not fall
Into the Hands of Men, but God shall see,
And wee must fall to his Severitie;
Yet as he is in Iustice, soe he can
Have mercy, and be gratious to Man.
Who feare the Lord, from his Commandement;
And such as him Adore, Sin cannot move
Them, in the Waies of Ioy, of Peace, of Love.
Those that feare him will bend their faculties
To doe the things are pleasing in his Eies;
And those that Love him, and in Truth abide,
Shall stand before him and be Iustified.
They that feare him, will, with Sobrietye
Prepare their hearts, and in Humilitye
New vest their Soules; before him they will be
Constant in faith with true Integritye;
And wait his pleasure; Saying, if wee shall
For Sin be impenitent, we doe not fall
Into the Hands of Men, but God shall see,
And wee must fall to his Severitie;
Yet as he is in Iustice, soe he can
Have mercy, and be gratious to Man.
III. Chap. iii.
The Iust are full in wisedome, and doe move
With Sober steps of Dutie and of Love.
Children, Submit your Wills t' Antiquitie,
And let your Actions show Conformitie
To the Instructions which your fathers have
Declar'd to you, that soe you may be safe;
For it is that which God expects to see,
That by their Children Fathers honored be;
And to their Mothers humble; for to him
That gives the Father Reverence shall Sin
Not be imputed; neither shall he fall
To vice, but see felicitye in All;
And he yt feares his Mother, waits her Pleasure,
Shall have a blessing in an Ample Measure;
As he his Father honored, soe shall
His Children with Ioy vnto him fall,
And when he Prayes, it shall not be in vaine;
Hee shall be heard, and heard, he shall obtaine.
Who honoreth his Father, in his waies,
Shall see felicitie and length of daies;
His mother shall be blest in him, and see
Ioy Crowne her Daies, and Prosperitie.
He that feares God, will give a Reverence
To Parents, and a true Obedience;
Nor Doe, nor Say, t' offend them; nor in thought
Grudge at their pleasure, or repine at ought:
Soe shall the dew of Heaven fall on thy haires,
And Bless with ioy and Plenty all thy yeares;
For 'tis the Father's blessing that shall be
Vpon the House, to all Posteritie;
Shall give it strength, and Life; Strength to Endure,
And Life to flourish in the Successour;
Thus to the Iust. But where the fatall curse
Of the Dead Mother hangs, it shall goe worse;
The Walls shall Drop to Dust, and he shall be
Scorn'd in himselfe; Curst in his Progenie.
Make not a laughter of thy Father's Shame,
For it can be noe honour to thy Name;
Being that the Son has glory in the Thing
His Father did of honour; and the Sting
Of Shame and Infamie shall his soule vex,
Whose Mother had not vertues to her Sex.
With Sober steps of Dutie and of Love.
Children, Submit your Wills t' Antiquitie,
And let your Actions show Conformitie
To the Instructions which your fathers have
220
For it is that which God expects to see,
That by their Children Fathers honored be;
And to their Mothers humble; for to him
That gives the Father Reverence shall Sin
Not be imputed; neither shall he fall
To vice, but see felicitye in All;
And he yt feares his Mother, waits her Pleasure,
Shall have a blessing in an Ample Measure;
As he his Father honored, soe shall
His Children with Ioy vnto him fall,
And when he Prayes, it shall not be in vaine;
Hee shall be heard, and heard, he shall obtaine.
Who honoreth his Father, in his waies,
Shall see felicitie and length of daies;
His mother shall be blest in him, and see
Ioy Crowne her Daies, and Prosperitie.
He that feares God, will give a Reverence
To Parents, and a true Obedience;
Nor Doe, nor Say, t' offend them; nor in thought
Grudge at their pleasure, or repine at ought:
Soe shall the dew of Heaven fall on thy haires,
And Bless with ioy and Plenty all thy yeares;
For 'tis the Father's blessing that shall be
Vpon the House, to all Posteritie;
Shall give it strength, and Life; Strength to Endure,
And Life to flourish in the Successour;
Thus to the Iust. But where the fatall curse
Of the Dead Mother hangs, it shall goe worse;
221
Scorn'd in himselfe; Curst in his Progenie.
Make not a laughter of thy Father's Shame,
For it can be noe honour to thy Name;
Being that the Son has glory in the Thing
His Father did of honour; and the Sting
Of Shame and Infamie shall his soule vex,
Whose Mother had not vertues to her Sex.
When feeble Limnes shall speake thy Father old,
Be pious to his Moods; Let not the Cold
Blood in his shallow veines against thee burne;
Let not the cause of Anger on thee turne;
And if the Imperfections of Old Age
Shall be in him, (as testy Passion, Rage,
Weake Memory, or Dullnes, incident
To venerable Eld,) be thou content,
Nor scorne his weakenes; tho' in strength thou be,
He was as thou art, thou maiest be as Hee;
He is thy Father; and his praiers have
Obtain'd a Blessing for thee, which Shall Save
Thy Soule from Damage; and thy Mother's crime
Shall not be laied to thee, at any Time;
And when Affliction is, God from on Hye,
Shall see, and Save thy Soule, from Ieopardie.
As doth the Ice melt, 'fore the Sun's keene raye,
Soe shall thy Sins vanish and fall away.
But Hee that leaves his Father, 'tis a Crime
Shame shall Attend, and Death follow him;
And the Iust Anger of a Mother shall
Bring down a curse, which heavily must fall.
Be pious to his Moods; Let not the Cold
Blood in his shallow veines against thee burne;
Let not the cause of Anger on thee turne;
And if the Imperfections of Old Age
Shall be in him, (as testy Passion, Rage,
Weake Memory, or Dullnes, incident
To venerable Eld,) be thou content,
Nor scorne his weakenes; tho' in strength thou be,
He was as thou art, thou maiest be as Hee;
He is thy Father; and his praiers have
Obtain'd a Blessing for thee, which Shall Save
Thy Soule from Damage; and thy Mother's crime
Shall not be laied to thee, at any Time;
And when Affliction is, God from on Hye,
Shall see, and Save thy Soule, from Ieopardie.
As doth the Ice melt, 'fore the Sun's keene raye,
Soe shall thy Sins vanish and fall away.
But Hee that leaves his Father, 'tis a Crime
Shame shall Attend, and Death follow him;
222
Bring down a curse, which heavily must fall.
My son, fly Arrogance, and doe not boast
Thy Actions worthy, least the worth be lost;
But leave its estimation to the vote
Of a cleare ffame, which cannot be forgott.
Let thy Humilitie, in all things be
The more, the more thou art in dignitie;
Many Renown'd and Noble wee may veiw,
But secrets are reveal'd to th' humbler few;
For Great the Power of God is, and his Feare
Is precious to those that humble are.
Thy Actions worthy, least the worth be lost;
But leave its estimation to the vote
Of a cleare ffame, which cannot be forgott.
Let thy Humilitie, in all things be
The more, the more thou art in dignitie;
Many Renown'd and Noble wee may veiw,
But secrets are reveal'd to th' humbler few;
For Great the Power of God is, and his Feare
Is precious to those that humble are.
Be not inquisitive, nor too high wise,
Nor seeke to Discerne things beyond thy Eyes;
But what thou art Capable, what God has bid,
That thinke vpon, with Reverence and Heed.
Prye not into his secrets; 'tis a nice
And foolish Itch, to Curiosities,
To dispute Misteries and things forbid;
Which, for they are not needfull, they are hid.
Nor seeke to Discerne things beyond thy Eyes;
But what thou art Capable, what God has bid,
That thinke vpon, with Reverence and Heed.
Prye not into his secrets; 'tis a nice
And foolish Itch, to Curiosities,
To dispute Misteries and things forbid;
Which, for they are not needfull, they are hid.
In an aboundant knowledge be not vain;
For many things may be beyond thy Braine
And reach of frailtie; Many have fal'n thus,
Into a Laberinth contiguous
Of Doubts and fears, and have Perishéd.
With hasty steps, by their owne Error led.
Without thy Eyes, though Heaven's Glorie be
At full displaied, yet it is darke to thee;
Therfore be wise, in Modest Silence, and
Speake not of what thou dost not vnderstand;
A Stubborne Heart shall know he has done ill,
And the nice Scepticke, his owne feares shall kill.
A Double Heart seekes to a Double way,
And finding neither, wanders still astray;
And the perverse and obstinate shall be
His owne destruction, prest with Miserie.
The wicked Man takes pleasure in his Crime,
And adds continually to ruine him.
The scornefull Proud shall find as proud a Scorne,
And Die forgot, as had he not beene borne;
For Sin is deepe in him, and he shall be,
Or never Nam'd, or Nam'd with Infamie.
For many things may be beyond thy Braine
And reach of frailtie; Many have fal'n thus,
Into a Laberinth contiguous
Of Doubts and fears, and have Perishéd.
With hasty steps, by their owne Error led.
Without thy Eyes, though Heaven's Glorie be
At full displaied, yet it is darke to thee;
Therfore be wise, in Modest Silence, and
223
A Stubborne Heart shall know he has done ill,
And the nice Scepticke, his owne feares shall kill.
A Double Heart seekes to a Double way,
And finding neither, wanders still astray;
And the perverse and obstinate shall be
His owne destruction, prest with Miserie.
The wicked Man takes pleasure in his Crime,
And adds continually to ruine him.
The scornefull Proud shall find as proud a Scorne,
And Die forgot, as had he not beene borne;
For Sin is deepe in him, and he shall be,
Or never Nam'd, or Nam'd with Infamie.
The wise Man shall be seene in Misteries,
And neare Attent to Sacred Knowledges;
A Wise Man will not sin; soe shall he be
Blest in his Actions with Prosperitie.
Soe water quenceth fire as Almes well done,
Take away Sin, as if there had beene none;
And hee that Sees the Heart, and knowes it, will
Reward the Act, as it is good or ill;
That in the day of Tribulation, hee
Shall find a Harbour of Securitie.
And neare Attent to Sacred Knowledges;
A Wise Man will not sin; soe shall he be
Blest in his Actions with Prosperitie.
Soe water quenceth fire as Almes well done,
Take away Sin, as if there had beene none;
And hee that Sees the Heart, and knowes it, will
Reward the Act, as it is good or ill;
That in the day of Tribulation, hee
Shall find a Harbour of Securitie.
IV. Chap. iv.
Doe not extort from Povertie, nor stay
The Needie, with a frivolous delay;
Vex not a Soule perplexéd, with thy Taunts,
Nor make a scorne of any Man in wants.
Doe not exasperate a greivéd mind,
Nor Mocke Necessitie in any kind;
Scorne not the praier of one in Miserie,
Nor turne away thy face from Povertie;
Let not thy Anger at the needy burne,
Least thy owne fury to a curse returne
Vpon thy selfe; for if he iustly shall
Pronounce a curse, sent from the very Gall
Of a greiv'd Spirit, certainly his praier
Shall have access to the Creator's Eare.
Contemne not Povertie, and let thy will
Submit to a more venerable Skill;
Honour the Magistrate, and let him claime
Respect from thee who has a Noble Name;
Be patient to the nedy-man's complaint,
And pay thy Debt with freindly Complement;
Protect the Innocent from the Strong Clawes
Of Black Oppression and Subverted Lawes;
Iudge not at all; but Iudge with sound advice,
And let not Trifles move thy sentence twice;
Releive the Orphan; Pitty Widdowes' Teares,
Redress her wrongs, Support her, in her Feares;
Soe God shall be thy Father: he will be
More tender then thy Mother over thee.
The Needie, with a frivolous delay;
Vex not a Soule perplexéd, with thy Taunts,
Nor make a scorne of any Man in wants.
224
Nor Mocke Necessitie in any kind;
Scorne not the praier of one in Miserie,
Nor turne away thy face from Povertie;
Let not thy Anger at the needy burne,
Least thy owne fury to a curse returne
Vpon thy selfe; for if he iustly shall
Pronounce a curse, sent from the very Gall
Of a greiv'd Spirit, certainly his praier
Shall have access to the Creator's Eare.
Contemne not Povertie, and let thy will
Submit to a more venerable Skill;
Honour the Magistrate, and let him claime
Respect from thee who has a Noble Name;
Be patient to the nedy-man's complaint,
And pay thy Debt with freindly Complement;
Protect the Innocent from the Strong Clawes
Of Black Oppression and Subverted Lawes;
Iudge not at all; but Iudge with sound advice,
And let not Trifles move thy sentence twice;
Releive the Orphan; Pitty Widdowes' Teares,
Redress her wrongs, Support her, in her Feares;
Soe God shall be thy Father: he will be
More tender then thy Mother over thee.
Wisedome Inspireth Life, and fills the Mind
With holy Rapture, and doth goe beyond
Error's foule mist, to the aboundant Raies
Of Knowledge, where she doth prescribe her waies:
Hee that loves wisedome, loveth Life as much;
And hee that loveth Life shall never touch
Death's dismall threshold, but be in full ioy;
Who keepeth her, envy shall not destroy
The glory of his Name, but he shall be
Consideréd and blest aboundantlye.
They that esteeme her shall not serve in vaine,
But God shall be the gverdon of their paine;
They shall be servants to the Lord aboue;
For such as love her, them he vowes to love.
The wise shall Live, and Nations shall Submit
To what he thinketh Iust, and Iudgeth fitt:
Hee shall inhabite in the Tents of Ioy,
And in his Seed be blest aboundantlye;
For she will lead him by Ambiguous waies,
And through the corners of a Dismall Place,
Where feare lurkes privilye, and doth assay,
With a strict discipline and every way,
To prove his Soule; which being now found true,
She brings him to the direct Path, to show
Him now deepe Misteries and holy things;
And to attaine true Knowledge, she gives wings
Of perfect vnderstanding: but if Hee
(Carried by Humor, Will, & Vanitie,)
Wander in the darke waies of Doubt and Error,
She leaves him to his Shame and Soule's Terror.
With holy Rapture, and doth goe beyond
Error's foule mist, to the aboundant Raies
Of Knowledge, where she doth prescribe her waies:
Hee that loves wisedome, loveth Life as much;
225
Death's dismall threshold, but be in full ioy;
Who keepeth her, envy shall not destroy
The glory of his Name, but he shall be
Consideréd and blest aboundantlye.
They that esteeme her shall not serve in vaine,
But God shall be the gverdon of their paine;
They shall be servants to the Lord aboue;
For such as love her, them he vowes to love.
The wise shall Live, and Nations shall Submit
To what he thinketh Iust, and Iudgeth fitt:
Hee shall inhabite in the Tents of Ioy,
And in his Seed be blest aboundantlye;
For she will lead him by Ambiguous waies,
And through the corners of a Dismall Place,
Where feare lurkes privilye, and doth assay,
With a strict discipline and every way,
To prove his Soule; which being now found true,
She brings him to the direct Path, to show
Him now deepe Misteries and holy things;
And to attaine true Knowledge, she gives wings
Of perfect vnderstanding: but if Hee
(Carried by Humor, Will, & Vanitie,)
Wander in the darke waies of Doubt and Error,
She leaves him to his Shame and Soule's Terror.
Lavish not out thy dayes nor let Sin Court
Thy easie Soule; (she dyes, without support
From thy owne Will) erect a Cheerfull face,
To Witnes Truth, though in the Doubtfull Case
Of thy own Life; for 'tis a greater Shame
To Spurne at God, and Reprobate thy Name
To his Eternall Truth, then to be thought
Worthless by Men: the Shame of ffeare has brought
Sin to attend; the other though he died,—
A word, to Men,—he shall be Iustified.
Thy easie Soule; (she dyes, without support
From thy owne Will) erect a Cheerfull face,
226
Of thy own Life; for 'tis a greater Shame
To Spurne at God, and Reprobate thy Name
To his Eternall Truth, then to be thought
Worthless by Men: the Shame of ffeare has brought
Sin to attend; the other though he died,—
A word, to Men,—he shall be Iustified.
Let thy owne Conscience gvide thee, 'bove the strong
And quaint perswasions of another's tongue;
Let not his Art betray thee, lest it be
Perhaps a trap to take thee privilye,
And point out thy Ruine; soe thou fall
A prey to tirrany, a Scorne to All.
And quaint perswasions of another's tongue;
Let not his Art betray thee, lest it be
Perhaps a trap to take thee privilye,
And point out thy Ruine; soe thou fall
A prey to tirrany, a Scorne to All.
Give thy advice, and let it be in time,
To prevent, or recall a Man from Crime;
Doe not withold thy wisedome, when 't may be,
For others vse, or honour vnto thee;
Wisedome is seene in words, and Actions crowne
A perfect wisedome, in a full renowne;
Dare not at all, a Truth to contradict,
But Blush to see and know thy owne defect.
To prevent, or recall a Man from Crime;
Doe not withold thy wisedome, when 't may be,
For others vse, or honour vnto thee;
Wisedome is seene in words, and Actions crowne
A perfect wisedome, in a full renowne;
Dare not at all, a Truth to contradict,
But Blush to see and know thy owne defect.
Gladly Confesse thy Sins; and doe not Strive
Against the Current of the Streame to strive;
Hate a foole's Government, and be not tooke,
(Soe fooles are taken) by a lofty looke;
Love Truth with fervency, and let thy blood
Be shed for Iustice; in a Cause soe good,
God is Accounteable, and vowes to be
To thy foes vengeance, Honour vnto thee.
Against the Current of the Streame to strive;
Hate a foole's Government, and be not tooke,
(Soe fooles are taken) by a lofty looke;
Love Truth with fervency, and let thy blood
Be shed for Iustice; in a Cause soe good,
God is Accounteable, and vowes to be
To thy foes vengeance, Honour vnto thee.
227
Let not thy Tongue demonstrate thy owne worth,
But doe the thing for others to set forth;
Insult not vpon Weaknes; doe not seeke
To Tyrranise vpon the humble Necke
Of Servitude; Seeke not a Glorie in
Soe poore a Conquest; let thy Bountye shine
In all thy Actions, and the iust Equallitye
Of thy desires shall Crowne thy Liberallitye.
But doe the thing for others to set forth;
Insult not vpon Weaknes; doe not seeke
To Tyrranise vpon the humble Necke
Of Servitude; Seeke not a Glorie in
Soe poore a Conquest; let thy Bountye shine
In all thy Actions, and the iust Equallitye
Of thy desires shall Crowne thy Liberallitye.
V. Chap. v.
Trust not in Riches, with a vaine Ostent
Of Fullnes, for 'twill not be prevalent
In the Sad Day; let thy Affections be
Restrain'd by Reason, Curb'd by Pietye.
Of Fullnes, for 'twill not be prevalent
In the Sad Day; let thy Affections be
Restrain'd by Reason, Curb'd by Pietye.
Boast not thy strength or Power, in the Progresse
Of ill-spent Dayes, to live in wickednesse,
Secure or irresponsable. Noe! know
God will have vengeance, though he suffer now.
Say not I Live, and ravill out my daies
In Libertie; I trye the many waies
Of Sin, to Death, and yet I cannot see,
In this, nor that, but I'me as blest as Hee
That followes vertue and observes the law:
(Thus vtter fooles) but though thy Maker draw
Awhile his Anger back, at last he shall
Showre downe his wrath, to crush thee in the fall.
Expect the wage of Sin for what is done,
And let thy care prevent Addition.
Say not, the Mercy of our God is great,
He can forgive My Sins, and expiate
My Manifold transgressions. Oh! beware
Of such presumption, for they equall are
In him, Mercy and Wrath; and Sinners must
Fall in his Fury; for he will be Iust.
Præfix noe time to Goodnes; let the Day
Of Reformation hang in noe delay;
For he will come in thy securitye,
And Iudge the Soule in its Impuritie.
Trust not in wicked Riches; they shall be,
When the Day cometh, of noe vse to thee.
Be fixt, and swerve not to a doubtfull way;
For soe the finner doth himselfe betray.
Let thy Resolves be firme in holy waies
Of Knowledg, loveing Righteousness and Peace;
Heare, and submit to what the learnéd say,
In holy Misteries, that thy heart May
Have satisfaction; rectifie thy word,
Strictly to say what may with truth accord.
Be prompt and Sedulous, good things to heare,
Thy Life vnspotted, and thy Manners cleare.
Satisfye Questions, if thou vnderstand,
If Ignorant, let Reason countermand
Silence to thy desires, lest thou maiest fall
In thy owne Errour,—made a scorne to all.
Honour & shame attends on what wee say,
And oft the Tongue brings to a sad Decay.
Make not thy Name a scandall to thy Mouth,
Of a darke ffame; for Levitie, love Truth,
And wait not for another's Preiudice,
To thy advantage; for such evill is
Never vnpunish't; hee shall fall to shame,
The Subtle Teacher, and his spotted Name
Survive with Infamie, and be a scorne
To those that are, and those that are not borne.
Be Circumspect and Iust, let nothing sway
Thee, more or lesse on this or th' other way
Beyond Integritie; to great & small
Alike Enclin'd, severely Iust to All.
Of ill-spent Dayes, to live in wickednesse,
Secure or irresponsable. Noe! know
God will have vengeance, though he suffer now.
Say not I Live, and ravill out my daies
In Libertie; I trye the many waies
Of Sin, to Death, and yet I cannot see,
In this, nor that, but I'me as blest as Hee
That followes vertue and observes the law:
(Thus vtter fooles) but though thy Maker draw
Awhile his Anger back, at last he shall
Showre downe his wrath, to crush thee in the fall.
Expect the wage of Sin for what is done,
And let thy care prevent Addition.
Say not, the Mercy of our God is great,
228
My Manifold transgressions. Oh! beware
Of such presumption, for they equall are
In him, Mercy and Wrath; and Sinners must
Fall in his Fury; for he will be Iust.
Præfix noe time to Goodnes; let the Day
Of Reformation hang in noe delay;
For he will come in thy securitye,
And Iudge the Soule in its Impuritie.
Trust not in wicked Riches; they shall be,
When the Day cometh, of noe vse to thee.
Be fixt, and swerve not to a doubtfull way;
For soe the finner doth himselfe betray.
Let thy Resolves be firme in holy waies
Of Knowledg, loveing Righteousness and Peace;
Heare, and submit to what the learnéd say,
In holy Misteries, that thy heart May
Have satisfaction; rectifie thy word,
Strictly to say what may with truth accord.
Be prompt and Sedulous, good things to heare,
Thy Life vnspotted, and thy Manners cleare.
Satisfye Questions, if thou vnderstand,
If Ignorant, let Reason countermand
Silence to thy desires, lest thou maiest fall
In thy owne Errour,—made a scorne to all.
Honour & shame attends on what wee say,
And oft the Tongue brings to a sad Decay.
Make not thy Name a scandall to thy Mouth,
Of a darke ffame; for Levitie, love Truth,
229
To thy advantage; for such evill is
Never vnpunish't; hee shall fall to shame,
The Subtle Teacher, and his spotted Name
Survive with Infamie, and be a scorne
To those that are, and those that are not borne.
Be Circumspect and Iust, let nothing sway
Thee, more or lesse on this or th' other way
Beyond Integritie; to great & small
Alike Enclin'd, severely Iust to All.
VI. Chap. vi.
Where once thou wast a freind, let nothing move
Thee to desist, or turne away thy Love;
For shame attends such falsehood; it shall be
A foule reproach to all Posteritye.
Thee to desist, or turne away thy Love;
For shame attends such falsehood; it shall be
A foule reproach to all Posteritye.
Glory not in the strength of thy owne Mind,
Least as a Bull of feirce and savage Kind,
Thy Soule fall on thee, and eate vp thy prime,
Destroy thy fruit; and thou, in little time,
Be as a wither'd stocke or saples tree;
For soe the wicked perish,—foolishlie;
Trusting his owne strength, a scorne to his foes,
To himselfe Horror, and Eternall woes.
Least as a Bull of feirce and savage Kind,
Thy Soule fall on thee, and eate vp thy prime,
Destroy thy fruit; and thou, in little time,
Be as a wither'd stocke or saples tree;
For soe the wicked perish,—foolishlie;
Trusting his owne strength, a scorne to his foes,
To himselfe Horror, and Eternall woes.
A Good word gaineth freinds and keepeth peace,
And words well-ordered in discourse, doe please;
Be freind to All, but one thy bosome-freind,
Familiar to thy thoughts, as thy owne Mind;
But rashly credit not; first try him sure,
By circumstance; ffor some noe more endure
Then they have vse; and when thy needs shall fall,
Leave thee to want, Shame, Miserie, & All;
And some are seeming friends, who privilie
Betraies thy secrets to thy Enimie;
Plots thy destruction, and in thy disgrace,
Will blushles tell thy Follies to thy face.
And words well-ordered in discourse, doe please;
Be freind to All, but one thy bosome-freind,
Familiar to thy thoughts, as thy owne Mind;
But rashly credit not; first try him sure,
230
Then they have vse; and when thy needs shall fall,
Leave thee to want, Shame, Miserie, & All;
And some are seeming friends, who privilie
Betraies thy secrets to thy Enimie;
Plots thy destruction, and in thy disgrace,
Will blushles tell thy Follies to thy face.
Another, for his Belly, is thy freind,
And on thy Smileing fortunes doth attend;
Is what thou art, and takes a Libertie
Over thy servants, as himselfe shall See;
But if the bright Sun of thy Plenty be
Choak'd in the fogs of want and Miserie,
His vowes are Cancell'd; he noe longer can
Attend on want, or serve a needy man.
And on thy Smileing fortunes doth attend;
Is what thou art, and takes a Libertie
Over thy servants, as himselfe shall See;
But if the bright Sun of thy Plenty be
Choak'd in the fogs of want and Miserie,
His vowes are Cancell'd; he noe longer can
Attend on want, or serve a needy man.
Converse not with thy Foes, beware thy freind:
For many seeme who nothing doe intend;
A prouéd freind is firme at all assaies,
Of precious worth, and Iust in all his waies
Beyond all paritie; vnto his faith
Iewels want lustre, Treasure wanteth weight.
A faithfull freind is a preservative
'Gainst Fate or Envy; and the Lord shall give
To those that feare him, himselfe for a freind:
Such Love, Chance changeth not, nor shall death end.
Attend Instruction from thy tender yeares,
Soe maiest thou find in it thy frostie haires;
Attend with diligence; with greater Ease,
She soe is gotten, and wth more encrease;
How is she bitter to the ignorant,
Nor can he keepe her that doth iudgment want.
Shee only proves him, as the stone doth Gold,
And he flings her away he cannot hold;
For many, many, have the Ayerie Name
Of Wisedome, in a full and swelling fame;
But few, and very few, (if any one,)
Have seene her Beauties and her secrets knowne.
With those that know her she shall be of price,
And stand an obiect to Eternall Eyes.
For many seeme who nothing doe intend;
A prouéd freind is firme at all assaies,
Of precious worth, and Iust in all his waies
Beyond all paritie; vnto his faith
Iewels want lustre, Treasure wanteth weight.
A faithfull freind is a preservative
'Gainst Fate or Envy; and the Lord shall give
To those that feare him, himselfe for a freind:
Such Love, Chance changeth not, nor shall death end.
Attend Instruction from thy tender yeares,
Soe maiest thou find in it thy frostie haires;
Attend with diligence; with greater Ease,
She soe is gotten, and wth more encrease;
231
Nor can he keepe her that doth iudgment want.
Shee only proves him, as the stone doth Gold,
And he flings her away he cannot hold;
For many, many, have the Ayerie Name
Of Wisedome, in a full and swelling fame;
But few, and very few, (if any one,)
Have seene her Beauties and her secrets knowne.
With those that know her she shall be of price,
And stand an obiect to Eternall Eyes.
Attend, (my Son) my discipline receive,
And listen to the Counsell which I give;
Submit thy wild affections to her thrall,
And let thy head-strong will to councell fall;
Be patient to sustaine her, not despise
Her yoke, nor quit thee from Captivities;
Let thy heart Ioy to meet her, and her waies
Be the example how to gvide thy Daies;
Be diligent to seeke her, she shall be
Reveal'd and open'd what she is, to thee;
And when thou hast her, swerve not from her waies,
For at the last, she will adde many Ioyes;
And then her fetters will be a defence,
And in her Chaines, thou shalt have Excellence;
For in her, there is precious Ornament,
Her bands are Easie Laws, with the Ostent,
Of a rich Dye; in her, thou art arraied
As in a Robe which honour hath displaied;
She will bring health, and dignifie thy Name,
And Crowne thee with a Ioyfull Diadem.
And listen to the Counsell which I give;
Submit thy wild affections to her thrall,
And let thy head-strong will to councell fall;
Be patient to sustaine her, not despise
Her yoke, nor quit thee from Captivities;
Let thy heart Ioy to meet her, and her waies
Be the example how to gvide thy Daies;
Be diligent to seeke her, she shall be
Reveal'd and open'd what she is, to thee;
And when thou hast her, swerve not from her waies,
For at the last, she will adde many Ioyes;
And then her fetters will be a defence,
And in her Chaines, thou shalt have Excellence;
For in her, there is precious Ornament,
Her bands are Easie Laws, with the Ostent,
Of a rich Dye; in her, thou art arraied
As in a Robe which honour hath displaied;
232
And Crowne thee with a Ioyfull Diadem.
My Son, if willing, thou shalt have advice,
And if thou seeke Knowledge thou shalt be wise;
Attend and treasure vp what thou shalt heare,
Wisedome is best attainéd by the Eare;
Converse with Learnéd Men, and doe not thou
Dissent from what Antiquitie doth know;
Let thy discourse be holy, and thy Heart
Glad to receiue what Knowledge doth impart;
Hast to a Man of Knowledge, and frequent
Often his doores; let thy thoughts be intent
Vpon God's Law; soe shall thy Heart be blest,
And thy desires with Wisedome full Possest.
And if thou seeke Knowledge thou shalt be wise;
Attend and treasure vp what thou shalt heare,
Wisedome is best attainéd by the Eare;
Converse with Learnéd Men, and doe not thou
Dissent from what Antiquitie doth know;
Let thy discourse be holy, and thy Heart
Glad to receiue what Knowledge doth impart;
Hast to a Man of Knowledge, and frequent
Often his doores; let thy thoughts be intent
Vpon God's Law; soe shall thy Heart be blest,
And thy desires with Wisedome full Possest.
VII. Chap. vii.
Fly Sin, and live secure; performe thy part,
Sin not remaines, but with a willing heart;
Let not thy good fall to the pregnant Slime
Of wickednes, least thou reape seven times;
Covet not too high Dignities, nor bring
Important suits, to beg it of the King;
Adde not to Merit, nor Extenuate
Thy Crime to heav'n, fondly to vindicate
Thy conscious Soule; for God doth know & see
Thy heart, thy sin, thy sin of Secresie.
Boast not thy wisedome to a Royall Eare,
Nor seeke to sitt in Iudgment, least thou Erre;
Sway'd or by faction; or the sullen frowne
Of some great Man deterre thee from thy owne
Integritie. Let not the vulgar be
Thy malice, nor admit Communitie,
But at a distance. Let not double Crime
Defile thy Soule; for in one there is shame.
Say not I'le repeat my offence to heauen,
With my oblations, and what I have given,
God will accept. Be fervent in thy praier,
Frequent in Almes, and full in pious care.
Deride not Miserie; for God doth see,
And he can exalt him, and ruine thee.
Let not thy brother suffer in a Lye,
To staine thy soule, and raise him Infamie:
Forbeare to Lye at all, not in a thing
Indifferent; falshood can never bring
Ioy to thy Soule, or honour to thy Name,
But growes to Coustome, ends to thy owne shame.
Sin not remaines, but with a willing heart;
Let not thy good fall to the pregnant Slime
Of wickednes, least thou reape seven times;
Covet not too high Dignities, nor bring
Important suits, to beg it of the King;
Adde not to Merit, nor Extenuate
Thy Crime to heav'n, fondly to vindicate
Thy conscious Soule; for God doth know & see
Thy heart, thy sin, thy sin of Secresie.
Boast not thy wisedome to a Royall Eare,
Nor seeke to sitt in Iudgment, least thou Erre;
Sway'd or by faction; or the sullen frowne
233
Integritie. Let not the vulgar be
Thy malice, nor admit Communitie,
But at a distance. Let not double Crime
Defile thy Soule; for in one there is shame.
Say not I'le repeat my offence to heauen,
With my oblations, and what I have given,
God will accept. Be fervent in thy praier,
Frequent in Almes, and full in pious care.
Deride not Miserie; for God doth see,
And he can exalt him, and ruine thee.
Let not thy brother suffer in a Lye,
To staine thy soule, and raise him Infamie:
Forbeare to Lye at all, not in a thing
Indifferent; falshood can never bring
Ioy to thy Soule, or honour to thy Name,
But growes to Coustome, ends to thy owne shame.
Vse Modestie in speech, let not the vaine
Ostent of words swell thee to vrge againe
Thy once repeated praier; doe not despise
An honest labour, nor with haughtie Eyes
Disdaine a Rustick lownesse. Doe not vant
Thy selfe familiar and Conversant
With the wild Crew; nor Glory in thy witt,
To thinke how rarely thou hast compass'd it.
Let not the Memory of a darling Sin
Please thy gray haires, nor let wishes in;
But thinke, oh thinke, there once will be a time
When thou must satisfie for all thy crime.
Ostent of words swell thee to vrge againe
Thy once repeated praier; doe not despise
An honest labour, nor with haughtie Eyes
Disdaine a Rustick lownesse. Doe not vant
Thy selfe familiar and Conversant
With the wild Crew; nor Glory in thy witt,
To thinke how rarely thou hast compass'd it.
Let not the Memory of a darling Sin
Please thy gray haires, nor let wishes in;
234
When thou must satisfie for all thy crime.
Be of an humble soule; for to the proud,
Fire, and the gall of Conscience is allow'd.
Value thy freind 'bove all, and let the gold
Of Ophir, for thy Brother's love be Cold.
Fire, and the gall of Conscience is allow'd.
Value thy freind 'bove all, and let the gold
Of Ophir, for thy Brother's love be Cold.
Cleave to the vertuous Woeman; she is given
Thee as a portion, by the hand of Heaven:
Her vertue is full Dower, and Modestie
Adornes her more than wealth or Dignitye.
Let a good servant have a due respect
Of Love from thee; let not supine neglect
Creepe in to his deservings; let him find
Thy Care & bountie, as he was inclin'd
To doe thy pleasure; now grant his desire,
And satisfie the Labourer with hire.
If thou hast Cattle, tend them with a care,
Keepe or forgoe, as to thy vse they are.
If blest with sons let not the blessing die,
Give them Instruction from their Infancye;
Let them know rule: if Daughters, let them be
In thy owne keep, admit noe libertie:
Be strict, and curbe them wth an austere brow,
Nor let them ever thy Indulgence know.
Marry thy Daughter, by discreet advice;
For it a Matter much Important is,
Redundant to thy glorie & her good.
Let him be wise, and of vntainted blood,
Whom thy choice makes a son. If (happy thou)
To thy soule's Ioy, & thy owne wish, haue now
A Wife; be fixt there, let not lewdnes smile
To tempt thy frailty, & thy soule beguile.
Thee as a portion, by the hand of Heaven:
Her vertue is full Dower, and Modestie
Adornes her more than wealth or Dignitye.
Let a good servant have a due respect
Of Love from thee; let not supine neglect
Creepe in to his deservings; let him find
Thy Care & bountie, as he was inclin'd
To doe thy pleasure; now grant his desire,
And satisfie the Labourer with hire.
If thou hast Cattle, tend them with a care,
Keepe or forgoe, as to thy vse they are.
If blest with sons let not the blessing die,
Give them Instruction from their Infancye;
Let them know rule: if Daughters, let them be
In thy owne keep, admit noe libertie:
Be strict, and curbe them wth an austere brow,
Nor let them ever thy Indulgence know.
Marry thy Daughter, by discreet advice;
For it a Matter much Important is,
Redundant to thy glorie & her good.
Let him be wise, and of vntainted blood,
Whom thy choice makes a son. If (happy thou)
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A Wife; be fixt there, let not lewdnes smile
To tempt thy frailty, & thy soule beguile.
Honour thy father wth a pious feare,
And pay thy dutie to a mother's care;
But thinke from them thou wert, & but for Them,
Where hadst thou beene, in being or in Name?
What can requite? what's thy obedience?
Thy Love, feare, Honour? a poore recompence.
And pay thy dutie to a mother's care;
But thinke from them thou wert, & but for Them,
Where hadst thou beene, in being or in Name?
What can requite? what's thy obedience?
Thy Love, feare, Honour? a poore recompence.
Feare God in Soule, & let his preists from thee
Have honour due vnto their Dignitie;
Love thy Creator, with thy Strength, thy Life,
And let thy eare be to the Iust man's greife;
With all thy Soule fear God, & venerate
His owne anointed, & his Consecrate,
His holy Preists; give them their Due, thy Debts,
Thy first-borne fruits, Purgings, & to Expiate
Thy Sin with Sacrifice. To God be these,
Erected hands, pure heart, with humbled knees;
These be the Offerings, the sacrifice,
And first-fruits of value in his Eyes.
Give to the poore, soe God the state will bless;
And in their Praier, thou shalt expire in Peace.
Have honour due vnto their Dignitie;
Love thy Creator, with thy Strength, thy Life,
And let thy eare be to the Iust man's greife;
With all thy Soule fear God, & venerate
His owne anointed, & his Consecrate,
His holy Preists; give them their Due, thy Debts,
Thy first-borne fruits, Purgings, & to Expiate
Thy Sin with Sacrifice. To God be these,
Erected hands, pure heart, with humbled knees;
These be the Offerings, the sacrifice,
And first-fruits of value in his Eyes.
Give to the poore, soe God the state will bless;
And in their Praier, thou shalt expire in Peace.
Charitie is of worth in all men's eyes;
And let the Dead not want for Obsequies;
Comfort the Sad; Mourne with a troubled Mind;
Visit the Sicke; thy gverdon thou shalt find;
In all thy vndertakings, weigh the End,
Soe shalt thou neuer vnto Death Offend.
And let the Dead not want for Obsequies;
Comfort the Sad; Mourne with a troubled Mind;
Visit the Sicke; thy gverdon thou shalt find;
In all thy vndertakings, weigh the End,
Soe shalt thou neuer vnto Death Offend.
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VIII. Chap. viii.
Neuer contend with power, least hee, too strong,
Oppress thee; weaknes cannot suffer long;
Differ not with the Rich, whose treasure can
Compose or rule the Law, 'gainst any Man;
For Golden Sizzors clip Astrea's wings,
And hath subverted ev'n the hearts of Kings.
Oppress thee; weaknes cannot suffer long;
Differ not with the Rich, whose treasure can
Compose or rule the Law, 'gainst any Man;
For Golden Sizzors clip Astrea's wings,
And hath subverted ev'n the hearts of Kings.
Be not in strife, nor have at all to doe
With Men who vtter much, and little know.
Converse not with the foole, lest it may be
To thy dishonour in Posteritie.
Despise not him who now reformes his waies,
Nor Speake it to his Shame, what is his praise.
Mock not at Eld, wth Scurrill taunts & vaine,
'Tis that which wee can but hope to Attaine.
Let not thy foe's Death thee Exhilirate,
For to all Mortall, 'tis an Equall Fate.
Attend the Iudgments of Antiquitie;
And prize her wisedome as the Nurserie
Of Knowledge how to rectifie thy waies
In vnderstanding, and to live with Praise.
Goe not from what they teach, for 'tis to them
Tradition, which from their Fathers came;
They shall give knowledge in the fullest kind,
And thou, their sayings in thy need shalt find.
With Men who vtter much, and little know.
Converse not with the foole, lest it may be
To thy dishonour in Posteritie.
Despise not him who now reformes his waies,
Nor Speake it to his Shame, what is his praise.
Mock not at Eld, wth Scurrill taunts & vaine,
'Tis that which wee can but hope to Attaine.
Let not thy foe's Death thee Exhilirate,
For to all Mortall, 'tis an Equall Fate.
Attend the Iudgments of Antiquitie;
And prize her wisedome as the Nurserie
Of Knowledge how to rectifie thy waies
In vnderstanding, and to live with Praise.
Goe not from what they teach, for 'tis to them
Tradition, which from their Fathers came;
They shall give knowledge in the fullest kind,
And thou, their sayings in thy need shalt find.
Rebuke a Sinner, doe not Arrogate
His Crime; Sin vrg'd, not Seldome bringeth hate;
Stand vp to accuse noe Man, Lest he may
Returne it Backe, in somewhat thou shalt say.
His Crime; Sin vrg'd, not Seldome bringeth hate;
Stand vp to accuse noe Man, Lest he may
Returne it Backe, in somewhat thou shalt say.
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Lend not to Men in State or Dignitie
Above thy selfe; or if thou gloriouslye
Wilt soe court greatnes, let thy second thought
Repent thy follye, and esteeme it nought.
Be bond but to thy power; for if thou say,
I will be bond, make full account to pay.
Differ not with the Iudge in point of Law;
For to himselfe the Honour he will draw.
Admit with rash Men noe Societie;
Rashnes presumeth on Sobrietie,
To give offence; for he knowes only Will;
And through his folly, thou art sure of ill.
Contend not with the furious, neither be
Vrg'd by his Scorne, to admit privacie;
For blood he valews not, & thou shall fall
To his good Arme, haveing noe help at all.
Advise not with the foole, he will betray
Thy Secrets, in what ever thou shalt say.
Above thy selfe; or if thou gloriouslye
Wilt soe court greatnes, let thy second thought
Repent thy follye, and esteeme it nought.
Be bond but to thy power; for if thou say,
I will be bond, make full account to pay.
Differ not with the Iudge in point of Law;
For to himselfe the Honour he will draw.
Admit with rash Men noe Societie;
Rashnes presumeth on Sobrietie,
To give offence; for he knowes only Will;
And through his folly, thou art sure of ill.
Contend not with the furious, neither be
Vrg'd by his Scorne, to admit privacie;
For blood he valews not, & thou shall fall
To his good Arme, haveing noe help at all.
Advise not with the foole, he will betray
Thy Secrets, in what ever thou shalt say.
Let not a Stranger privacies attend;
Hee sees & knowes, but thou not knowst his end.
Make not the Vulgar privy to thy Mind;
(For Popularitie is Still inclin'd
To freedome) soe, thy secrets are betraide,
And thou a Scandall to the world art made.
Hee sees & knowes, but thou not knowst his end.
Make not the Vulgar privy to thy Mind;
(For Popularitie is Still inclin'd
To freedome) soe, thy secrets are betraide,
And thou a Scandall to the world art made.
IX. Chap. ix.
Harbour noe Iealous feares against thy Wife,
Nor give to her suspition, by thy Life.
Let not a Woeman too much Captivate
Thy life, lest she betray thee to the hate
Of enemies. Avoid the Company
Of blushles Woemen, lest thou fall and Die.
Let not a voice, nor exact Motion
Betray thee to thy owne Confusion.
Detract not from a Virgin's Modestie,
To fixe vpon her with a fervent Eye.
Fall not a Prey to wantons, nor be tooke
By a lasciuious Iest, or winning looke;
Lest it, perhaps, redound to thy Shame,
And leave a blott vpon thy house & Name.
Walke not to looke on Beauties, nor enquire
After faire Woemen, to provoke desire;
Reverse thy burning Eye from the desir'd
Obiect of Beautie, though to be admir'd;
For many have fall'n soe; 'tis by thy Eye,
The fire is kindled to vnchastity.
A sinfull Woeman shall be trod as dung,
And have a bitter Scorne from every tongue;
Many have fal'n to Sin, in a Strange looke,
Fixt on her Eyes, taken with what she spoke.
Nor give to her suspition, by thy Life.
Let not a Woeman too much Captivate
238
Of enemies. Avoid the Company
Of blushles Woemen, lest thou fall and Die.
Let not a voice, nor exact Motion
Betray thee to thy owne Confusion.
Detract not from a Virgin's Modestie,
To fixe vpon her with a fervent Eye.
Fall not a Prey to wantons, nor be tooke
By a lasciuious Iest, or winning looke;
Lest it, perhaps, redound to thy Shame,
And leave a blott vpon thy house & Name.
Walke not to looke on Beauties, nor enquire
After faire Woemen, to provoke desire;
Reverse thy burning Eye from the desir'd
Obiect of Beautie, though to be admir'd;
For many have fall'n soe; 'tis by thy Eye,
The fire is kindled to vnchastity.
A sinfull Woeman shall be trod as dung,
And have a bitter Scorne from every tongue;
Many have fal'n to Sin, in a Strange looke,
Fixt on her Eyes, taken with what she spoke.
Allow not freedome with another's Spouse,
Vse not with too much frequency her house;
Let, Let, the curbe of Modestie restraine
Her bed to thee, though in an Entertaine,
Intended Civill; and the needless stay
Of Banquetting admit not; lest there may
In vaine protractions, such occasions be
As may entice thy will and ruine thee.
Leave not a provéd freind; for an Ignote
Comes but at hazard, seldome proves in ought
Like him who was; but as in Wine new-prest,
Time proves it good, and then wee drinke it best.
Vse not with too much frequency her house;
Let, Let, the curbe of Modestie restraine
Her bed to thee, though in an Entertaine,
Intended Civill; and the needless stay
Of Banquetting admit not; lest there may
In vaine protractions, such occasions be
As may entice thy will and ruine thee.
239
Comes but at hazard, seldome proves in ought
Like him who was; but as in Wine new-prest,
Time proves it good, and then wee drinke it best.
Ayme not at Honours, nor in thought Aspire,
To be as yon'd full Man; he shall expire
But ev'n as thou, Charg'd with a greater debt;
And what he is, nor you nor he knowes yet.
To be as yon'd full Man; he shall expire
But ev'n as thou, Charg'd with a greater debt;
And what he is, nor you nor he knowes yet.
Affect not wickednes, as Sinners doe,
But thinke, thy Account needs must greater grow.
Keepe from the Man of Blood; soe shalt thou be
Safe from the feare of Death or Iniurie;
But if thou happen soe, give noe offence
To stir his fury; thinke, without defence,
Thou art Surround in danger; every Side
Snares to entrap thee; & thou dost bestride
Horror in every space; thou maiest fall downe
To certaine Ruine, ignorant how soone.
But thinke, thy Account needs must greater grow.
Keepe from the Man of Blood; soe shalt thou be
Safe from the feare of Death or Iniurie;
But if thou happen soe, give noe offence
To stir his fury; thinke, without defence,
Thou art Surround in danger; every Side
Snares to entrap thee; & thou dost bestride
Horror in every space; thou maiest fall downe
To certaine Ruine, ignorant how soone.
Be ware thy Neighbour's malice, and enquire
Counsell of Wise men; quicken thy desire
To have converse with Men who can afford
Sacred Instructions, how to serve the Lord.
Let Iust Men be thy Guests, let thy Ioy
Be only in the feare of the Most High.
Artists are pris'd and prais'd by what they doe;
And the Wise Prince, in his owne word shall know
The Gen'rall suffrage. Wise Men valued are
Not for fine words, but for the Sence they beare.
A Man of many words doth breed debate,
And hee that bolts at all, the World shall Hate.
Counsell of Wise men; quicken thy desire
To have converse with Men who can afford
Sacred Instructions, how to serve the Lord.
Let Iust Men be thy Guests, let thy Ioy
Be only in the feare of the Most High.
Artists are pris'd and prais'd by what they doe;
And the Wise Prince, in his owne word shall know
The Gen'rall suffrage. Wise Men valued are
Not for fine words, but for the Sence they beare.
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And hee that bolts at all, the World shall Hate.
X. Chap. x.
An vnwise King the People shall Lament,
But where there is a goodly government,
Where vpright Men sit in Authoritie,
Then, shall the Cittie see Prosperitie.
God doth dispose of Rule, and in his Eyes
How despicable are Iniquities;
And though he suffer now, at his good time,
The Rulers shall be Iust, & free from Crime.
The fate of Man is in th' all-gvidinge hand,
He makes the learnéd in his honour stand.
Forgive thy Neighbour's trespass, and let not
Thy thoughts be busie in a wicked Plott.
But where there is a goodly government,
Where vpright Men sit in Authoritie,
Then, shall the Cittie see Prosperitie.
God doth dispose of Rule, and in his Eyes
How despicable are Iniquities;
And though he suffer now, at his good time,
The Rulers shall be Iust, & free from Crime.
The fate of Man is in th' all-gvidinge hand,
He makes the learnéd in his honour stand.
Forgive thy Neighbour's trespass, and let not
Thy thoughts be busie in a wicked Plott.
Pride before God and to an Equall Man,
Is in both Sin; hate all, in Each as One.
Crownes are dispos'd, and often have translation
From this to that, from that to th' other Nation;
Because of wrongs, Iniustice, wrested lawes,
Oppressions, Tyrrannies, or some such cause.
Is in both Sin; hate all, in Each as One.
Crownes are dispos'd, and often have translation
From this to that, from that to th' other Nation;
Because of wrongs, Iniustice, wrested lawes,
Oppressions, Tyrrannies, or some such cause.
Nothing less worthy, in the highest eyes,
Then Man, besotted on his avarice.
Why art thou proud? oh! thou of humane birth!
Thou art but Ashes, or at the best, but Earth;
There is not, cannot be, a viler thing,
Then to love Money; such a Man would bring
His Soule to Mercate; for his Life, his Name
Are gone, in being Slave to his owne shame.
Then Man, besotted on his avarice.
Why art thou proud? oh! thou of humane birth!
Thou art but Ashes, or at the best, but Earth;
There is not, cannot be, a viler thing,
Then to love Money; such a Man would bring
241
Are gone, in being Slave to his owne shame.
Tyrrany raigns not long: as the disease
Pussles the Doctor, difficult to Ease,
Hee tries a desperate Cure in such a need;
Soe, hee, to-Day a King, to-Morrow, Dead;
Why (Dust), then, art thou Proud? when Man doth fall,
Hee falls to Serpents, Beasts, to Wormes; and All
The beginning of Man's Pride is to decline
ffrom God, and make a Iest of things devine;
Pride is the fount, but rises at the streame,
And still growes higher, till in the Extreame
It overflowes, &, like a Torrent's vent,
Doth ruine such as stand to try the Event.
Smear'd in the foulnes of his Sin, the advice
Of wicked Men shall perish in a trice.
Pussles the Doctor, difficult to Ease,
Hee tries a desperate Cure in such a need;
Soe, hee, to-Day a King, to-Morrow, Dead;
Why (Dust), then, art thou Proud? when Man doth fall,
Hee falls to Serpents, Beasts, to Wormes; and All
The beginning of Man's Pride is to decline
ffrom God, and make a Iest of things devine;
Pride is the fount, but rises at the streame,
And still growes higher, till in the Extreame
It overflowes, &, like a Torrent's vent,
Doth ruine such as stand to try the Event.
Smear'd in the foulnes of his Sin, the advice
Of wicked Men shall perish in a trice.
God hath cast downe the thrones of Maiestie
And haughty Kings, t' advance humilitye;
The Proud of Nations he doth Contemne,
And gives the lowly to inhabite them;
He hath subverted where the Heathen lurke,
And vtterly demolishéd their worke;
They wither in his sight and fall away,
Nor shall their Memorye any longer stay.
The Proud Man's soule shall perish, only he
Of humble Soule shall shine in Dignitie.
In Men Pride was not ever, neither hath
The weaker Sex beene still accite to Wrath.
And haughty Kings, t' advance humilitye;
The Proud of Nations he doth Contemne,
And gives the lowly to inhabite them;
He hath subverted where the Heathen lurke,
And vtterly demolishéd their worke;
They wither in his sight and fall away,
Nor shall their Memorye any longer stay.
The Proud Man's soule shall perish, only he
Of humble Soule shall shine in Dignitie.
In Men Pride was not ever, neither hath
The weaker Sex beene still accite to Wrath.
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Children that feare God shall haue honour in
Their Daies; & such shall suffer in their Sin,
As doe reiect his Lawes; for as the place
Conferreth Honour, soe doth ever Grace.
Their Daies; & such shall suffer in their Sin,
As doe reiect his Lawes; for as the place
Conferreth Honour, soe doth ever Grace.
Crownes flourish in the feare of God, Decline
Where Pride and Tyrranny doe madly Ioyne.
His feare is Glory to the Greatest Name,
Not less then to a Man of Obscure ffame.
Shall Povertie obscure an able Mind?
Or 'cause another's wealthy, shall he find
Honour and praise of Wisedome? he, a foole?
This can not stand to an Indifferent Soule.
Where Pride and Tyrranny doe madly Ioyne.
His feare is Glory to the Greatest Name,
Not less then to a Man of Obscure ffame.
Shall Povertie obscure an able Mind?
Or 'cause another's wealthy, shall he find
Honour and praise of Wisedome? he, a foole?
This can not stand to an Indifferent Soule.
The King, the Iudge, and the Gown'd Magistrate,
Are honourable, but there's none more Greate
Then he that fears God, Vnto Servitude.
Free-men, attend, if Gracious & Endued
With Knowledge. Hee who knowes will not disdaine
Councell; but fooles noe honour can attaine.
Necessity admits of noe delay,
Be resolute, though in a cumbrous way.
Better the Drudge, who in his Plenty stood,
Then the Gay man that wanteth for his food.
Let thy humility adorne thy Browes,
And thinke thy selfe noe better then thou knowes.
Who will account him iust that wrongs him selfe?
Or honour him who thrusts his Soule on Shelfe
Of Preiudice? The Poore, 'cause he is wise
Is honor'd; & the rich, Men will despise,
For what he has. How more then worthy hee
Whose honour Shineth in his Povertie,
When he shall be of State! & how much more
Shall he be Abiect, when he is but Poore,
Whose wealth was all his vertue! Then his Name
Dyes with his story, perisheth as it came.
Are honourable, but there's none more Greate
Then he that fears God, Vnto Servitude.
Free-men, attend, if Gracious & Endued
With Knowledge. Hee who knowes will not disdaine
Councell; but fooles noe honour can attaine.
Necessity admits of noe delay,
Be resolute, though in a cumbrous way.
Better the Drudge, who in his Plenty stood,
Then the Gay man that wanteth for his food.
Let thy humility adorne thy Browes,
And thinke thy selfe noe better then thou knowes.
Who will account him iust that wrongs him selfe?
Or honour him who thrusts his Soule on Shelfe
Of Preiudice? The Poore, 'cause he is wise
Is honor'd; & the rich, Men will despise,
For what he has. How more then worthy hee
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When he shall be of State! & how much more
Shall he be Abiect, when he is but Poore,
Whose wealth was all his vertue! Then his Name
Dyes with his story, perisheth as it came.
XI. Chap. xi.
Wisedome exalts the humble, gives him place
With Men of Honour. For the outward face
Let not a Man be praiséd, nor despise
A Man deforméd; for he may be wise;
For loe, the Bee, a despicable thing,
Almost the least of Creatures haveing wing,
Yet in her fruit most faithfull. Bee not thou
Proud of gay Rags, nor beare a haughty Brow,
When th' art in Place of honour; for alone
The workes of God are Glorious and vnknowne.
Tirants haue fal'n, & to possess the Throne,
Hee, from obscuritie, hath chosen One.
Great Men have fal'n to Shame, & he of Note
Hath beene deliver'd to a Stranger's vote.
With Men of Honour. For the outward face
Let not a Man be praiséd, nor despise
A Man deforméd; for he may be wise;
For loe, the Bee, a despicable thing,
Almost the least of Creatures haveing wing,
Yet in her fruit most faithfull. Bee not thou
Proud of gay Rags, nor beare a haughty Brow,
When th' art in Place of honour; for alone
The workes of God are Glorious and vnknowne.
Tirants haue fal'n, & to possess the Throne,
Hee, from obscuritie, hath chosen One.
Great Men have fal'n to Shame, & he of Note
Hath beene deliver'd to a Stranger's vote.
Rashly blame noe man; but with mature heed,
Iudge and reforme it. Be not blindly led
To give thy vote ere the cause be full told;
And patiently heare both, nor hott, nor Cold;
Intrude not for a faction, or to raise
Vnheard of Doubts. What boots a sinfull praise?
Intend not diverse things. Shun busines
Almost at all; at least, hate the Excesse;
For if thou profit, all thy gaines not gott,
Thou art corrupted, or at least soe thought;
Thou shalt not keepe thy Reputation free,
In Eyther way, to follow or to flee.
Iudge and reforme it. Be not blindly led
To give thy vote ere the cause be full told;
And patiently heare both, nor hott, nor Cold;
Intrude not for a faction, or to raise
Vnheard of Doubts. What boots a sinfull praise?
Intend not diverse things. Shun busines
Almost at all; at least, hate the Excesse;
244
Thou art corrupted, or at least soe thought;
Thou shalt not keepe thy Reputation free,
In Eyther way, to follow or to flee.
Those come of God, Attend vpon his breath:
Prosperous or adverse fortunes, Life or Death;
Riches & Povertie; Wisedome is his,
And the right vse of Sacred Knowledges.
Love & good-Workes of him are precedent,
Error & Darknes Sinners circumvent;
And they that Magnifie their follies done
Wax Gray in Sin, past all recurement gone.
The Iust inherite blessings, which shall be
Vpon thy house, to all Posteritye.
Some Man is rich by his owne Miserie,
And that's the wages he shall ever see;
In that he wanteth it his owne acquist,
Nor thinketh further; ffond Man! whither is't
Sin drives thy Soule? Behold the Time is nere,
That thou must leave it All; thou knowest not where,
Nor less, to whom. Feare God, & entertaine
Thy Age in a good Worke, nor have a vaine
Inquisitive Eye to others; what they Doe
'Tis not at all to thee; but Iustly goe
In thy owne way. By the full hand of Heaven
Wealth to the needy suddainly is given.
The Iust shall prosper and shall live in Peace,
With an aboundant Store & large encrease.
Prosperous or adverse fortunes, Life or Death;
Riches & Povertie; Wisedome is his,
And the right vse of Sacred Knowledges.
Love & good-Workes of him are precedent,
Error & Darknes Sinners circumvent;
And they that Magnifie their follies done
Wax Gray in Sin, past all recurement gone.
The Iust inherite blessings, which shall be
Vpon thy house, to all Posteritye.
Some Man is rich by his owne Miserie,
And that's the wages he shall ever see;
In that he wanteth it his owne acquist,
Nor thinketh further; ffond Man! whither is't
Sin drives thy Soule? Behold the Time is nere,
That thou must leave it All; thou knowest not where,
Nor less, to whom. Feare God, & entertaine
Thy Age in a good Worke, nor have a vaine
Inquisitive Eye to others; what they Doe
'Tis not at all to thee; but Iustly goe
In thy owne way. By the full hand of Heaven
Wealth to the needy suddainly is given.
The Iust shall prosper and shall live in Peace,
With an aboundant Store & large encrease.
245
Be not then you too wise, in [vanitye]
With heaven to say, what either shall it be,
Profit or Pleasure? what shall I expect,
Another day, gverdon to my respect?
I swim in Pleasure, I have wealth at will,
'Tis not in ffate, that I can suffer ill.
With heaven to say, what either shall it be,
Profit or Pleasure? what shall I expect,
Another day, gverdon to my respect?
I swim in Pleasure, I have wealth at will,
'Tis not in ffate, that I can suffer ill.
Ah, ffoole! collect thy selfe, & thinke there may
Darke Clouds of want invelope the bright Day.
Be not deiect in Miserie, for know
God can give succour, & can give it now.
In greatest need, the small time of an houre,
To Man, if but his fortunes seeme to lowre,
Is tedious; he falls beneath the Load,
But 'tis the End that Crown's the Labour Good.
Darke Clouds of want invelope the bright Day.
Be not deiect in Miserie, for know
God can give succour, & can give it now.
In greatest need, the small time of an houre,
To Man, if but his fortunes seeme to lowre,
Is tedious; he falls beneath the Load,
But 'tis the End that Crown's the Labour Good.
Iudge noe Man happie till he be declin'd,
Then see and Iudge as he hath left behind;
In them he shall suruiue. Be Hospitable
But not to All; some Man is sociable
To get advantage on thee; in his breath
Rise many vapours, Noxious to the Death.
As secure Innocence, not dreading harme,
The Silly Partridge run's into the Charme
The fouler sett; or as the Hind is ta'ne
In the strong Toyle, soe waits the sinfull Man
To see thy fall; and laies his Machine at
Thy fame; and from thy worth doth derogate,
With feirce invectives. Sparkes ingender fire
And Shame encreaseth, thoe rais'd by a Lyar;
And he still aggravates. O, Son! beware
And Shun the Wicked Man, who setts a snare
How to surprise thee; if too intimate
Thou with an Alien be, repent it late;
In his Seditions, in thy owne vnrest
And greife, to See him of thy state Possest.
Then see and Iudge as he hath left behind;
In them he shall suruiue. Be Hospitable
But not to All; some Man is sociable
To get advantage on thee; in his breath
Rise many vapours, Noxious to the Death.
As secure Innocence, not dreading harme,
The Silly Partridge run's into the Charme
The fouler sett; or as the Hind is ta'ne
In the strong Toyle, soe waits the sinfull Man
To see thy fall; and laies his Machine at
Thy fame; and from thy worth doth derogate,
With feirce invectives. Sparkes ingender fire
And Shame encreaseth, thoe rais'd by a Lyar;
And he still aggravates. O, Son! beware
246
How to surprise thee; if too intimate
Thou with an Alien be, repent it late;
In his Seditions, in thy owne vnrest
And greife, to See him of thy state Possest.
XII. Chap. xii.
In Almes respect to whom, that a reward
May waite thy Charity. Be still prepar'd
To Succour the Iust Man; this shall accrue
To treble recompence, & find it's due;
Though not perhaps from him, it shall be giv'n,
(Heaven being engaged) by the hand of Heav'n.
May waite thy Charity. Be still prepar'd
To Succour the Iust Man; this shall accrue
To treble recompence, & find it's due;
Though not perhaps from him, it shall be giv'n,
(Heaven being engaged) by the hand of Heav'n.
What can of good come to the Waiward Man,
Practis'd in Mischeife? or what evill can
Be absent in Oppression? Let thy hand
Be stretcht to assist vertue; but withstand
The vrgencyes of Sinners. Help the Meeke;
And let the impious want of what they seeke.
Draw back thy willing hand, fraught wth an Almes,
Withold thy Charitie; (lost in the Calmes
Of Secure Innocence, thou safely rideing;
The gust of Sin, may Stir a Surly tiding,
In Seas pacificke) he will lye in waite,
For thy destruction; Quiet thy love with hate.
Practis'd in Mischeife? or what evill can
Be absent in Oppression? Let thy hand
Be stretcht to assist vertue; but withstand
The vrgencyes of Sinners. Help the Meeke;
And let the impious want of what they seeke.
Draw back thy willing hand, fraught wth an Almes,
Withold thy Charitie; (lost in the Calmes
Of Secure Innocence, thou safely rideing;
The gust of Sin, may Stir a Surly tiding,
In Seas pacificke) he will lye in waite,
For thy destruction; Quiet thy love with hate.
Give to the Good (such Almes are never vaine)
But let the Wicked aske, & not obtaine.
In the bright day of Plenty, every Man
Will be a freind; 'tis difficult to Scan
Who truly are soe; but in the darke Cloud,
Of Adverse ffortunes' when as wants doe shrow'd
Men in the Mists of Povertie, 'twill be
Apparent Who's a freind, who Enimie.
For when a Man in Plenty is, then those
Maligne & grudge his fortune who are foes;
And in the Day, the black & Dismall Day,
Of Want and Miserie, hardly freinds will stay.
But let the Wicked aske, & not obtaine.
In the bright day of Plenty, every Man
Will be a freind; 'tis difficult to Scan
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Of Adverse ffortunes' when as wants doe shrow'd
Men in the Mists of Povertie, 'twill be
Apparent Who's a freind, who Enimie.
For when a Man in Plenty is, then those
Maligne & grudge his fortune who are foes;
And in the Day, the black & Dismall Day,
Of Want and Miserie, hardly freinds will stay.
Be circumspect & Cautele to thy foe;
For like as Iron rusteth, Ev'n soe
His Soule is tainted, though he carry faire
In all deportments; yet (My Son) beware;
Be not too free to him, least he supplant
Thy Iust designes; let not him, Arrogant,
Sit on thy Right Hand, as pre-eminence;
And he, soe bladder'd, doe not spare offence,
To thy preiudice, & vsurpe what's thine;
And thou (too late) recall these words of mine,
Into thy Memory; & thy vext Soule
Find torture in thy rashnes. For what foole
Soe tender pitties, if the Charmer be
Stung by a Serpent? or the temer'tie
Of Such as, willing, will assault the Wild
Of furious Bruits, Although he should be kill'd?
Ev'n such a one is he, who doth attend
The Sinner in his waies; & shall he find
A Pittie more? Sinners south thee in Sin,
But they fall off, if ever thou begin
To shrinke the least. As Honey, or more sweet
And melting, Are the words of ffraud & Spight,
But inwardly as Gall: his Eyes shall be
Stor'd wth false tears, in remorse of thee;
But if he find (what cannot Malice find!)
His opportunity to goe beyond
Thy honest reach, ought to thy preiudice;
Then, then, he falls, & blood will not Suffice.
Happ'ly in adverse fortunes, he will be
Pretending help, but plotting treacherie;
Then, in derision, will he shake his head,
And Clap his hands, Applauding what he did;
Whisper to thy dishonour, & his face
fforméd to revile thee, in thy owne disgrace.
For like as Iron rusteth, Ev'n soe
His Soule is tainted, though he carry faire
In all deportments; yet (My Son) beware;
Be not too free to him, least he supplant
Thy Iust designes; let not him, Arrogant,
Sit on thy Right Hand, as pre-eminence;
And he, soe bladder'd, doe not spare offence,
To thy preiudice, & vsurpe what's thine;
And thou (too late) recall these words of mine,
Into thy Memory; & thy vext Soule
Find torture in thy rashnes. For what foole
Soe tender pitties, if the Charmer be
Stung by a Serpent? or the temer'tie
Of Such as, willing, will assault the Wild
Of furious Bruits, Although he should be kill'd?
Ev'n such a one is he, who doth attend
The Sinner in his waies; & shall he find
A Pittie more? Sinners south thee in Sin,
But they fall off, if ever thou begin
To shrinke the least. As Honey, or more sweet
248
But inwardly as Gall: his Eyes shall be
Stor'd wth false tears, in remorse of thee;
But if he find (what cannot Malice find!)
His opportunity to goe beyond
Thy honest reach, ought to thy preiudice;
Then, then, he falls, & blood will not Suffice.
Happ'ly in adverse fortunes, he will be
Pretending help, but plotting treacherie;
Then, in derision, will he shake his head,
And Clap his hands, Applauding what he did;
Whisper to thy dishonour, & his face
fforméd to revile thee, in thy owne disgrace.
| The poems of George Daniel | |