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Matthew Prior. Dialogues of the Dead and Other Works

in Prose and Verse. The Text Edited by A. R. Waller

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Well then Man Wills and from that Will proceed
The stains and Colours of his sinfull deed
The Son whom he destroy'd he might have sav'd
And freed the Captive whom his hand enslav'd.
As rolling down the Rocks the waters bring
The last and hue of their original spring;
So from our Will, that fountain of our Deed,
The stains and Colours of our Acts proceed.
Against Gods Spirit here we fight
Had leave to cho[o]se but wou'd not use it right
Our ill produc'd and we must suffer Woe
But had we merit or Perfection, No.
In vain You cite this Liberty of Will
Free to do good, but more inclin'd to ill.