University of Virginia Library


214

xvii. Saint Peter, after the denying his master.

Like to the solitarie pelican,
The shadie groues I hant & Deserts wyld,
Amongst woods Burgesses, from sight of Man,
From earths delights, from myne owne selfe exild.
But that remorse which with my falle beganne,
Relenteth not, nor is by change beguild,
But rules my soule, and like a famishd chyld
Renewes its cryes, though Nurse doe what shee can.
Looke how the shricking Bird that courtes the Night
In ruind walles doth lurke, & gloomie place:
Of Sunne, of Moone, of Starres, I shune the light,
Not knowing where to stray, what to embrace:
How to Heauens lights should I lift these of myne,
Since I denyed him who made them shine?