xxxvii. The Spouse to the Younglynges.
The Argument.
The
Spouse hyndred with the heauy burden of the flesh,
falleth oft: becummeth negligent in her ministerie, and
slepeth as touchyng the flesh: but in her hart and spirit watcheth
continually, alwayes attentiue and hearkenyng whan
God wyl moue and wake her vp, to doe any thyng.
Whiche she confesseth her selfe, syngyng to the Yonglynges.
I i my selfe whome flesh doeth ouermatche
Doe slepe in sinne, obey my worldly wyll:
But yet my harte, and sprite doe wake and watche,
To serue the Lorde, his lawes for to fulfyll
With harte and mynde.
But whyle I thus, in fleshly slepe am styll,
Beholde the voyce of Christe whome moste I loue,
I hear in flesh, wheron he knocketh styll,
From earth commaundyng me to cum aboue,
True rest to fynde.