University of Virginia Library

CALMNESS IN A STORM:

Made in a Stormy Journey, Septemb. 1672.

In rough foul Ways, my Mind is smooth and clear;
When the Winds roar, then do I loudest Sing:
When the Sky low'rs, Smiles in my Looks appear:
Clouds weeping Rain, no Tear from me can wring.
What is it can disturb that inward Peace,
Which from disturbances receives increase?
This Wisdom, and this Courage, sometimes I
Can in my little Stormy Journies use:
In th' Storms of Life, there's much more reason why
The same brave Resolution I should chuse.
Life is a Journey full of Troubles; these,
Wisdom may turn into Advantages.
Do I grow poor? I'le more enrich my Mind,
Am I defam'd? I'le make my Virtue shine
More brightly through those Mists; are Friends unkind?
God shall be dearer. Doth my Health decline?
My Soul to Heaven shall thrive; when Death shall give
The mortal Wound, then shall I truly live.
Thus the great Hercules, from Juno's spite
Favours receiv'd, this made his fame encrease;
First Toils and Dangers gave him first Delight
And Glory; thus the martial Man is Peace;
Not to bare chance, and quiet times, would owe,
But to the Valour which subdues his Foe.
O daring conqu'ring Virtue 'tis, we prize,
As this claims Glory as its just desert:
Shelves, Sands, and Tempests are the Exercise
And Honour of the skilful Pilots Art.
Who boasts a Virtue that was never tri'd,
Is a stout Seaman by a Fire-side.
Great Praise we to our wise Creator owe,
Who tho he hath not (which he eas'ly could)
Made all things sweet and smooth; to make them so,
Gives us the pow'r; all Earth he made not Gold;
But gives th' Elixir which can do as much,
Turning course Stones to pure Gold, by its touch.