University of Virginia Library

[Faith needs noe foile; foiles helpe where faith doth neede]

[_]

The attribution of this poem is questionable.

Faith needs noe foile; foiles helpe where faith doth neede
Pure white can grace it self self grace is best
What perfect is by aide wantes of perfection
for aide bewraies a want in that which needs it
and faith in words is a bare affection
as fire which is but fire when fuell feeds it,
yet most hould words and showes true meaninges measure
then faile I of meede since words faile me
but hold my faith sweet Sainct like hidden treasure
which is more ritch vnseene then what yow see
Soe is my faith but gracd, thoughe none haue knowne it
yf yow to whom I owe my faith will owne it.