The Minor Poems of Joseph Beaumont ... Edited from the autograph manuscript with introduction and notes by Eloise Robinson |
 |
The Sheepherd
|
|
| 1. |
| 2. |
| 3. |
 | The Minor Poems of Joseph Beaumont |  |
303
The Sheepherd
1
When great LoveDid remove
From above
Heer to prove
His delicious Art;
He took
A Crook
And in's look
Was as plain
A Swain
In grain,
And did play his part
With as harmlesse genuine Grace
As Sheepherd e'r did trace
Sichems feilds all flowrie face.
2
In a MeedWhere no Weed
E'r did breed,
He did feed
His unspotted sheep:
No meat
So sweet
304
Lips which kisst
The Nest
Of best
Dainties which did sleep
On the bedds of Paradise
So rich in sprightfull spice
And inlivening Rareties.
3
For the FareHis sweet Care
Did prepare,
Was his dear
And allpretious Flesh,
Which He
Made free
Equalitie
To each guest
And drest
The Feast
In a mystik Dish:
Thus his sheep to entertain,
And their poor love to gain,
He himself Heavns Lamb is slain.
4
He is slainAnd doth strain
Might & main
Everie vein
To yeild up each drop;
Which flood
Of Blood
Might make good
Heavn & Bliss
To dress
Up his
Lambs abundant Cup:
305
Pure liquid Life doth swimm
Sweetly to eternize Them.
5
Then to keepThese his sheep
Safe asleep
From the deep
Rage of Wolfe & Bear,
Each Hand
Doth stand
Open, and
Feet & Side
Gape wide
To hide
All whoe nestle there:
These five rubie folds alone
Give safe protection
To the Flocks that thither run.
| The Minor Poems of Joseph Beaumont | |