University of Virginia Library

CHAP. II. B

BACCHUS.

If you would a Monarch see
All array'd in Majesty,
Who triumphed first, and wore
Such a Crown, as none before
Could attain too; Christ is he
Who triumphing on a tree,
Kill'd the Snake with his two stings,
Death and sin, and captiv'd Kings,
And the Titans who combine
Heaven it self to undermine.
This is he whose eloquence
Doth surpasse all humane sence:
From whose lips, as from a Still,
Drops of Nectar down did drill;
When our hearts with fear did pine,
He found out that pleasant wine
Which hath made us laugh and sing
Hallelujahs to our King.
He flung over-board, and drown'd
All the Pyrats that him bound:
When they had his body torn
With their whips and crown of thorn;
When they thought he had been slain,
He reviv'd and rose again.
Hecate queen of the night
Held him not for all her might;
But this uncontrolled Prince
Burst her gates, and got out thence.
O thou onely God of wine,
Comfort this poor heart of mine
With that Nectar of thy blood,
Which runs from thee like a flood.
On thy fruitlesse servant pour
From thy veins a crimson shower:
Let that dew of Rubies which
Fell from thee, my soul inrich;
Let me taste of that sweet sape
Which dropp'd from this squeezed grape:
T'was for me this grape was prest,
Drink my soul, and take thy rest.

BELIDES.

Children obey your parents, but if they
Bid you do mischief, you must not obey:
For sure you must not yield obedience
Against Gods Laws, against your conscience,
Least with these cruell sisters you partake,
Of their vain toiling in the Stygian lake.
Let all beware of sin, which men beguils
With her inticing looks, and flattering smiles.
She hath a virgins face, but traitors fist,
Which without grace we hardly can resist.
Let no man joyn himself to such a wife,
Whose mouth presents a kisse, her hand a knife.

BELLEROPHON.

Christ is that Potent Conqueror, who hath
Subdu'd the great Chimæra in his wrath:
Whom malice to æll dangers did expose,
Who was accused falsly by his foes.
The more he was oppress'd, he grew the more
In power and honour, and at last did soare
On Fames swift wings, above the high extent
Of air, and fire, and starry firmament.
His Word's a winged horse, which he bestrides,
And over Lyons, Goats, and Dragons rides;
O thou who rides now on the arched skie;
Who for my sins was once content to dye;
Who hath subdu'd all monsters with thy word,
And now triumphs with that two-edged sword;
Destroy in me these monsters which rebell
Against thy Laws, save me from death and hell.
Make me to spend my dayes without offence,
And let my daily guard be innocence.
And Lord, whereas I'm mounted on the wings
Of nimble Time, which fly'th with earthly things
Swifter away then Pegasus; teach me
How I may fight to get the victory:
That e're I go from hence, I may subdue
Chimæra with Pentheselæa's crue.
Whil'st I in holy raptures mount to thee,
From swelling pride good Lord deliver me.
And whil'st I'm carried on Faith's golden wings,
Keep back mine eyes from sublunary things:
Least whil'st I gaze on them, I tumble down,
And so lose both the victory and crown.

BOREAS, BOREADÆ, HARPIÆ.