liiii. Christe to the Younglynges.
The Argument.
Whan
the Younglynges whiche iudge not by the outewarde
wurkes of fastyng, praying, and almose deedes,
with other rites and ceremonies whiche the wycked may doe
vnder hipocrisie with as goodly a face and shew as the moste
faythfull, haue called agayn the churche, to vewe her as well
within as without: Christe to thintent that his faythfull be
not deceyued, teacheth howe and by what markes to knowe
his churche, singyng to the yong.
Ye young that call agayne, My spouse, my chyef delite,
What is the cause that ye so fayne
Would see the Sulamite?
In her what would ye see, What thyng would ye behold?
She is not as ye thynke she bee
Gaye clad in sylke and golde.
But simple to the syght in her are pitched tentes,
With souldiers full armed to fyght
Agaynst all false intentes.
If this syght maye ye please, whiche pleaseth me alone,
Ye maye beholde her at your ease,
And vewe her gyftes eche one.