University of Virginia Library

Esay V.

Now I, to my Beloved, will
A Song of my Beloved sing:
He hath a Vineyard on a Hill,
VVhich all the Yeare enjoy'd the Spring.
This he inclosed with a Mound,
Pickt up the Stones which scatter'd lay:
VVith generous Vines plants the rich Ground;
Dig'd, pruin'd, and weeded every day.
To presse the Clusters made a Frame,
Plac'd in a new erected Tower:
But when th'expected Vintage came,
For good, the Grapes prov'd wild and sowre.
You who on Judah's Hils reside,
VVho Citizens of Salem be;
Doe you the Controverse decide
Betweene my Vineyard judge, and me.
Though partiall Judge. Could I have more
To my ungratefull Vineyard done?
Yet such unpleasant Clusters bore,
Vnworthy of the soyle, or Sunne.
Then know; This Vineyard, late my Joy,
Manured with such diligence;
Wild Bores, and Foxes shall destroy,
When I have trampled downe her Fence.
Then shall she unregarded lye,
Vndig'd, unpruin'd, with Brambles spread:
No gentle Clouds shall on her dry
And thirsty Wombe their moisture shed.
That ancient House of Israel,
The great Jehovahs Vineyard is:
They who on Judah's Mountaines dwell,
Those choice, and pleasant Plants of his:
From whom he Justice did expect,
But Rapine, and Oppression found:
Thought they sweet Concord would affect;
When all with Strife, and Cryes abound.