Poemata sacra Latinae & Anglicae scripta [by John Saltmarsh] |
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| I. |
Chap. I. Why called the Picture.
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| II. |
| III. |
| IV. |
| V. |
| VI. |
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Chap. I. Why called the Picture.
Poemata sacra |  |
Chap. I. Why called the Picture.
As in a tablet where an Artists quillHath learn'dly travell'd to unload his skill,
Till to more constant being he hath brought
Which had but flitting essence in his thought;
Then to court admiration sets it forth
Till that some ruder pencill spoil the worth,
Till time with shadows darken it; and then
Draws cobweb curtains over it; some men
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Into this curious relique, will desire
To wipe off dustie yeares or strive to draw
Times envious traverse by, untill they saw
If any beautie were alive that might
Speak for the rest to their ambitious sight:
Thus fares't with man: for on the walls of clay
God did his exc'lent divine feature lay,
Yea hung it in this room of flesh: but sinne
That fair unvalu'd picture did begin
Soon to deface and blemish; we scarce spie
Any complexion of divinitie.
Yet we are busie wiping man decaid:
Some part looks fresh, the Picture is betraid.
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Chap. I. Why called the Picture.
Poemata sacra | |