The Works of Michael Drayton :: :: University of Virginia Library

Oh God of our forefathers all, of mercie thou the Lord:
Which heaven and earth, and al thinges els, createdst with thy word.
And by thy wisdome madest man, like to thy selfe alone,
And gavest him over thy workes, the chiefe dominion.
That he shoud rule upon the earth, with equity and right,
And that his judgments should be pure, and upright in thy sight.
Give me that wisdome, which about, thy sacred throne doth stay,
And from amongst thine own elect (Lord) put me not away.
For I thy servant am, and of thy handmaid borne,
A sillie soule, whose life alas, is short and all forlorne.
And do not understand at all, what ought to be my guide,
I mean thy statutes and thy lawes, least that I slip aside.
For though a man in worldly things, for wisdome be esteem'd,
Yet if thy wisdom want in him, his, is but folly deem'd.
Thou chosest me to be a King, to sit on royall throne,
To judge the folk which thou of right, dost chalenge for thy own.
Thou hast commanded me to build, a Temple on thy hill,
And Altar in the self same place, where thou thy selfe doost dwel.
Even like unto thy Tabernacle, in each kind of respect,
A thing most holy, which at first, thy selfe thou didst erect.
Thy wisdome being stil with thee, which understands thy trade,
When as thou framedst first the world, and her foundation laid.
Which knew the thing that most of all, was pleasant in thy sight,
Thy wil and thy commandements, wherein thou takst delight.
Send her down from that heavenly seat, wheras she doth abide,
That she may shew to me thy will, and be my onely guide.
For she dooth know and understand, yea, al things doth foresee,
And by her works and mighty power, I shall preserved bee.
Then shal my works accepted be, and liked in thy sight,
When I upon my fathers throne, shall judge thy folke aright.
Who knoweth the counsell of the Lord, his deep and secret skil,
Or who may search into his works, or know his holy will?
For why? the thoughts of mortal men, are nothing els but care,
Their forecasts and devises all, things most uncertaine are.
The bodie is unto the soule, a waight and burthen great,

The earthly house depresseth down, the mind with cares repleat. Salomons
The things which here on earth remain, we hardly can discern, Praier
To find their secret use and trade, with labor great we learne.
For who doth search or seek to know, with traveill & with care,
The secrets of the mightie Lord, which hie in heaven are.
Who can thy counsels understand, except thou doo impart
Thy wisdome, and thy holy spirit doost send into his heart?
For so the waies of mortal men, reformed are and taught,
The things that most delighteth thee, which wisdom forth have brought.