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

Bless'd be that king which evermore shal raign,
So ever may his kingdome blessed be:
Which punisheth and pittieth againe,
Which sends to hell, and likewise setteth free.
Before whose presence may no creature stand,
Nor any thing avoid his heavie hand.

Ye children of his chosen Israell,
Before the Gentles stil confesse his name:
With whom he hath appointed you to dwell,
Even there (I say) extol and laude his fame:
He is a Lord and God most gracious,
And still hath bene a father unto us.

He wil scourge us for our iniquitie,
Yet mercie will he take on us againe,
And from those nations gathered shall we be,
With whom as strangers now we do remaine.
Yf in your harts he shal repentance find,
And turne to him with zeale and willing mind.

When as your dealings shall be found upright,
Then wil he turn his face from you no more:
Nor thenceforth hide his presence from your sight,
But lend his mercie, then laid up in store,
Therefore confesse his name, & praises sing,
To that most great and highest heavenly King.

I will confesse him in captivitie,
And to a wicked people shewe his might,
Oh turne to him, vile sinners that you be,
And doo the thing is upright in his sight.
Who's there can tell if he will mercie showe,
Or take compassion on you, yea or noe?

I will extoll and laude thy name alwaies,
My soule, the praise of heavens King expresse:
All tongues on earth shall spread abroad his praise,
All nations shew foorth his righteousnesse.
Jerusalem thou shalt be scourged then,
But he wil spare the sonnes of righteous men.

Faile not to give the Lord his praises due,
And still extoll that everlasting King:
And help to build his Tabernacle newe,
In which his Saints shall ever sit and sing.
In which the captives shall have end of griefe,
In which the poore shall ever find reliefe.

Many shall come from countries far and neare,
And shall great giftes unto his presence bring,
Many before his presence shall appeare,
And shal rejoice in this great heavenly King,
Cursed be those which hate thy blessed name,
But bless'd be those which love & like the same.

Triumph with joy, ye that be good and just,
Though scattered now, yet shall you gathered be:
Then in the Lord fix all your hope and trust,
And rest in peace till you these blessings see.
Blessed be those which have bin touch'd with griefe
When they have seen thee scourg'd, & want reliefe.

Those only shall rejoice with thee againe,
And those shall be partakers of thy glorie:
And shall in blisse for ay with thee remaine,
Now passed once these troubles transitorie.
Then (oh my soule) see thou rejoice and sing,
And laud the great and highest hevenly King.

And he will build Jerusalem full faire,
With Emeralds and Saphyrs of great price,
With precious stones he will her walles repaire,
Her towers of golde with worke of rare device.
And all her streetes with Berall will he pave,
With Carbunckles and Ophirs passing brave.

And all her people there, shall sit and say,
Praised be God with Aleluiah.