University of Virginia Library


213

An Ode Vpon the incomparable Liricke Poesie Written by Mr. George Herbert;

Entituled The Temple:

Lord! yet how dull am I!
When I would flye
Vp to the Region of thy Glories! where
Onlie true formes appeare;
My long-brail'd Pineons, (clumsye and vnapt)
I cannot Spread;
I am all dullnes; I was Shap't
Only to flutter in the lower Shrubbs
Of Earth-borne follies. Out, Alas!
When I would treade
A higher Step, ten thousand thousand Rubbs,
Prevent my Pace.
This Glorious Larke, with humble Honour, I
Admire and praise;
But when I raise,
My Selfe, I fall asham'd, to see him flye.

214

The Royall Prophet, in his Extasie,
First trod this path.
Hee followes neare, (I will not Say, how nigh;)
In flight, as well as faith.
Let me asham'd, creepe backe into my Shell;
And humbly Listen to his Layes.
'Tis preiudice, what I intended Praise;
As where they fall so Lowe, all Words are Still.
Our vntun'd Lirecks, onlie fitt
To Sing our Selfe-borne-Cares,
Dare not, of Him; or had wee Witt,
Where might wee find out Ears
Worthy his Character? If wee may bring
Our Accent to his Name!
This Stand, of Lirecks, Hee, the vtmost Fame
Has gain'd; and now they vaile, to heare Him Sing;
Bocace in voice, and Casimire in winge.
Decembr: 8t: 1.6.4.8: G. Daniel.