 | Miscellaneous works of George Wither |  |
116
Aliquid ex improviso
The
Author will not, now, this Poem send
Unto the King; because it may offend.
But, if to give it, he had lawfull way,
He downe would kneel; and, thus would humbly say.
Unto the King; because it may offend.
But, if to give it, he had lawfull way,
He downe would kneel; and, thus would humbly say.
Dear Sir, be pleased to peruse this Book.
With undistempred, heart, and gracious look;
And, though some Passages, may harsh appear,
Read out with patience, what is written here:
For, as with you, and your affaires it stands,
My due allegeance, strictly me commands,
That, I should plainely deal, and boldly do,
What, my well meaning heart did prompt me to:
And I have hope, you shall receive by me,
A wholsome Pill, although it bitter be.
With undistempred, heart, and gracious look;
And, though some Passages, may harsh appear,
Read out with patience, what is written here:
For, as with you, and your affaires it stands,
My due allegeance, strictly me commands,
That, I should plainely deal, and boldly do,
What, my well meaning heart did prompt me to:
And I have hope, you shall receive by me,
A wholsome Pill, although it bitter be.
I could not slatter, when you were at height:
Nor would I to your sufferings, add the weight
Of halfe a graine, (to purchase my own health,
Though I were sick) for all your former wealth.
So tender am I, and so much afraid,
To lay on more, where GOD enough hath laid;
Till I may be assur'd, that you contemn
His mercies; and proceed, in spight of him.
And, I, had now been pleas'd, with words more calme,
To have exprest my mind; and with soft balme,
To have anointed you; but that thereby,
Some (who, it may be, have an evill eye)
Might find occasion to obstruct that cure,
Which, by this course, may speedy be, and sure.
Nor would I to your sufferings, add the weight
Of halfe a graine, (to purchase my own health,
Though I were sick) for all your former wealth.
So tender am I, and so much afraid,
To lay on more, where GOD enough hath laid;
Till I may be assur'd, that you contemn
His mercies; and proceed, in spight of him.
And, I, had now been pleas'd, with words more calme,
To have exprest my mind; and with soft balme,
To have anointed you; but that thereby,
Some (who, it may be, have an evill eye)
Might find occasion to obstruct that cure,
Which, by this course, may speedy be, and sure.
Your wisedome findes my meaning, if your heart
Hath any sympathizing with my art;
And, I shall soon perceive it, when I know
What countenance you hereupon bestow.
If I discover not an operation,
According to my honest expectation,
I shall desist. But, if respect you give
To my intent, in this sharp Corrosive;
I shall endeavour, to provide a dos,
That may close up your wounds, repair your losse;
And, give you good assurance, in the end,
That, he who seem'd your foe, hath been your friend:
Yea dares be so; if you dare be your owne,
Though, ten times more affliction, prest you down;
And act for you, as far as he is able,
His part, of Mouse and Lion, in the Fable;
Though both his foes, and yours stood looking on him,
And, threatned all the spight that could be done him:
For, with a Theefe, that Penitent shall be,
A Crucifying, undergo would he,
Much rather, then enjoy his preservation,
With Barabbas, by publike acclamation.
Hath any sympathizing with my art;
And, I shall soon perceive it, when I know
What countenance you hereupon bestow.
117
According to my honest expectation,
I shall desist. But, if respect you give
To my intent, in this sharp Corrosive;
I shall endeavour, to provide a dos,
That may close up your wounds, repair your losse;
And, give you good assurance, in the end,
That, he who seem'd your foe, hath been your friend:
Yea dares be so; if you dare be your owne,
Though, ten times more affliction, prest you down;
And act for you, as far as he is able,
His part, of Mouse and Lion, in the Fable;
Though both his foes, and yours stood looking on him,
And, threatned all the spight that could be done him:
For, with a Theefe, that Penitent shall be,
A Crucifying, undergo would he,
Much rather, then enjoy his preservation,
With Barabbas, by publike acclamation.
Quæ nocent, docent; BUT, Ex nihilo nihil fit.
FINIS.
| Miscellaneous works of George Wither | |