Miscellaneous works of George Wither | ||
I do beleeve, that (not excepting any)
All men of great Offences, and of many
Are guilty. And, I do suppose the King
Hath not been free from blame in every thing.
To him there may, either by men, or heaven,
Be somewhat on the scores, to be forgiven
As well as to the People: secret crimes
May be in former, or in latter times
Committed, wherein either he misdid,
Or his Progenitors, which yet are hid,
And must be expiated, ere that Rest
Whereat we aym, will fully be possest;
And have an Expiation by meer Grace,
Or by that pennance through which others pass.
In order whereunto, GOD now perchance
Him, to his Fathers Throne doth re-advance;
Either a new progression to begin,
Or else to fill the measure of their sin;
And punish us, till ripen'd, he, or we,
Or both, for Grace, or for Destruction be.
All men of great Offences, and of many
Are guilty. And, I do suppose the King
Hath not been free from blame in every thing.
39
Be somewhat on the scores, to be forgiven
As well as to the People: secret crimes
May be in former, or in latter times
Committed, wherein either he misdid,
Or his Progenitors, which yet are hid,
And must be expiated, ere that Rest
Whereat we aym, will fully be possest;
And have an Expiation by meer Grace,
Or by that pennance through which others pass.
In order whereunto, GOD now perchance
Him, to his Fathers Throne doth re-advance;
Either a new progression to begin,
Or else to fill the measure of their sin;
And punish us, till ripen'd, he, or we,
Or both, for Grace, or for Destruction be.
Miscellaneous works of George Wither | ||