Divine Fancies :: :: University of Virginia Library

Divine Fancies

Digested into Epigrammes, Meditations, and Observations. By Fra: Quarles

Quarles, Francis (1592-1644)

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9. On the two Essences.

Gods sacred Essence represents the bright
And glorious body of the greater light:
'Tis perfect; hath a Being of her owne,
Giving to all, receiving light from none:
Mans Essence represents the borrowed light
And feeble luster of the Lampe of night:
Her Rayes are faint, and her Reflection thin,
Distaind with nat'rall blemishes within;
Inconstant, various; having, of her owne,
No light at all; or light, as good as none:

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When too much earth shall interpose, and slipps
Betwixt these Lights, our Soules are in th'Eclips.