Ecclesiastes, otherwise called the Preacher Containing Salomons Sermons or Commentaries (as it may probably be collected) vpon the 49. Psalme of Dauid his father. Compendiously abridged, and also paraphrastically dilated in English poesie, according to the analogie of Scripture, and consent of the most approued writer thereof. Composed by H. L. Gentleman [i.e. Henry Lok]. Whereunto are annexed sundrie Sonets of Christian Passions heretofore printed, and now corrected and augmented, with other affectionate Sonets of a feeling conscience of the same Authors |
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 | [Chap. 7.] Ecclesiastes, otherwise called the Preacher |  |
67
19. Be not too curious things to know, least God correct thy pryde,
20. Yet learne things fit, and fearing God, no ill shall thee betyde.
20. Yet learne things fit, and fearing God, no ill shall thee betyde.
19.
Yet do not thou extenuate so thy skill,
That thereby into scandall thou do fall,
The very wicked so contemne thee will,
And good and bad, will so condemne thee all,
None is so vile, that vice he will commend,
Although his deeds, to little better tend.
That thereby into scandall thou do fall,
The very wicked so contemne thee will,
And good and bad, will so condemne thee all,
None is so vile, that vice he will commend,
Although his deeds, to little better tend.
Ne do thou folly any whit affect,
For that doth ruine all that it doth vse,
Who will the foole or vndescreet protect,
Or trust to him, or vse him (may he chuse?)
Well may men laugh at him and make disport,
But neuer trust, in cause that doth import.
For that doth ruine all that it doth vse,
Who will the foole or vndescreet protect,
Or trust to him, or vse him (may he chuse?)
Well may men laugh at him and make disport,
But neuer trust, in cause that doth import.
20.
In measure is (we say) a merry meane,
Twixt two extremes doth sacred vertue dwell,
Who will vnto true heauenly wisedome leane,
Must fly defect, and all excesse expell,
With serpents wisedome must his iudgement see,
With Turtles humble mind, yet clothed bee.
Twixt two extremes doth sacred vertue dwell,
Who will vnto true heauenly wisedome leane,
Must fly defect, and all excesse expell,
With serpents wisedome must his iudgement see,
With Turtles humble mind, yet clothed bee.
The loftie thought, presumption doth instruct,
The abiect mind dispaire doth soone perswade,
From wings of Lucifer, this quill is pluckt,
To hatefull serpents den, that leades the trade:
But he whom heauenly wisedome doth inspire,
From both those snares in safetie shall retire.
The abiect mind dispaire doth soone perswade,
From wings of Lucifer, this quill is pluckt,
To hatefull serpents den, that leades the trade:
But he whom heauenly wisedome doth inspire,
From both those snares in safetie shall retire.
| [Chap. 7.] Ecclesiastes, otherwise called the Preacher | |