li. The Spouse to her Beloued.
The Argument.
Whan
Christ hath told his Spouse that he is descended
into her to see the fruites of her faythful people, she ignoraunt
before hearyng nowe his voyce, confesseth her ignoraunce,
acknowlagyng her imperfeccion. And not withstandyng
the greate prayses wherewith her Beloued magnified
her, she presumeth not: but humbly acknowlegyng her estate
confesseth her ignoraunce: syngyng.
I knew not I, Thou wast so ny,
Tyll by thy wurd so swete,
Thou madest me know, Thou wast cum low,
And louely dydst me grete.
I was I graunt, Blynde ignoraunt.
And knew nothing at all:
Through flesh or blood, That coulde doe good,
Before thou didst me call.
Thy wurd awaye, My wyt I saye
Knewe no whyt of thy wyll:
I knew not why, Thou camest so nye,
With frute thy self refyll.
But whan thy voyce (That doeth reioyce
All faythful that it hear)
Sounded so shrill, I knew thy wyll,
And what thou madest there.
