 | Miscellaneous works of George Wither |  |
115
To the Parliaments.
It is not feare, in me; nor it is shame,
Which makes me, at this time, conceal my name:
But, humble modestie, and consciousnesse,
Of that knowne frailty, and unworthinesse,
Wherewith my Person, outwardly is cloth'd,
Oft, makes my selfe, ev'n of my selfe so loth'd,
That (not without good reason,) I suspect
My purposes, may find the lesse effect,
If, ere you tast the fruit, I let you know,
In whose poor Garden, GOD, hath made it grow,
For, many times, the best wine pleaseth not,
Unlesse, we like the Drawer, and the Pot.
A homebred Simples vertue, few will owne;
A Doctor seemes best skil'd, that is unknowne:
Yea, miracles, by Christ, were seldome done,
Where, he reputed was, but Josephs son.
Which makes me, at this time, conceal my name:
But, humble modestie, and consciousnesse,
Of that knowne frailty, and unworthinesse,
Wherewith my Person, outwardly is cloth'd,
Oft, makes my selfe, ev'n of my selfe so loth'd,
That (not without good reason,) I suspect
My purposes, may find the lesse effect,
If, ere you tast the fruit, I let you know,
In whose poor Garden, GOD, hath made it grow,
For, many times, the best wine pleaseth not,
Unlesse, we like the Drawer, and the Pot.
A homebred Simples vertue, few will owne;
A Doctor seemes best skil'd, that is unknowne:
Yea, miracles, by Christ, were seldome done,
Where, he reputed was, but Josephs son.
How ere it please, or may be understood,
I dare aver, my purposes were good;
And, that, hereby, you have advantages
To do your selves an honour, if you please.
Therewith, you profit, likewise, may receive,
If, thereunto, but those respects you give,
Which are, in equity, to those things due,
That will both profit, and much honour you.
GODS will be done: and, if your will agree
With his, then, let your will be done on mee.
I dare aver, my purposes were good;
And, that, hereby, you have advantages
To do your selves an honour, if you please.
Therewith, you profit, likewise, may receive,
If, thereunto, but those respects you give,
Which are, in equity, to those things due,
That will both profit, and much honour you.
GODS will be done: and, if your will agree
With his, then, let your will be done on mee.
| Miscellaneous works of George Wither | |