The works of Sir William Mure of Rowallan :: :: University of Virginia Library

The works of Sir William Mure of Rowallan

Edited with introduction, notes, and glossary by William Tough

Mure, William (1594-1657)

VOL. I

EARLY MISCELLANEOUS POEMS

II.

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139

XLIX.

1

Hear this, all people, and giue eare,
All in the world who duell,

2

Both high and low; alike yee poore,
And yee whose riches swell.

3

My mouth of wisdome shall discourse,
My heart of knowledge muse;

4

And to apply mine eare vnto
A parable I'le choose.

5

My doubtfull argument vpon
The harp I will unfold.
Why, in the dayes of evill, should
Wpon me feare tak hold,
While I on everie syd besett
Am with iniquitie,
Wch doth me, at my very heels,
Persue wncessantlie?

6

Of these that in their wealth do trust,
Proud while ther riches ryse,

7

Not one a brother can redeeme,
God doth such pryce despise;

8

For deare ther soul's redemption is,
And ceaseth such to be;

9

As thus hee should for ever live,
And not corruption sie.

10

For he beholds the wise to die,
The foole and brutish one
To perish; and that others spend
Their goods when they are gone.

11

Yet think they that establisht still,
Ther houses shall endure;
And, from posteritie, applause
Their buildings shall procuir.

140

12

There lands by ther oune names they call.
Man, not the lesse, to day
Advanc'd to honor, like to beasts
That perrish, frosts away.

13

This way of theirs their foolishnes
Maks more then manifest.
Their sayings yet their seed approve,
And much wpon them rest.

14

In grave, like sheep, they shal be lay'd,
(A flock for death to feed);
And over them the just, when as
The morning beams shall spread,
Shall haue dominion. Then their strenth
In grave shal waist away;
Their duelling places of delight
Constrain'd to chainge for clay.

15

But, from dominion of the grave,
God shal my soule sett frie;

16

For me receaue hee shall. O fear
Not, one made rich to sie,
The glory of his hous encreast;

17

For nothing at his end
Shall hee tak hence, nor after him
His honor shal discend.

18

Though, (whiles alive) his soule hee blest;
Thogh, thyself cherishing,

19

Men prayse; with fathers yett to lodge,
Wher nevir light shall spring,

20

Remove hee must. Who prudent are
Not, and in honour bee,
Ar like to beasts, of reasoun voyd,
Which perrisch vtterlie.