Silex Scintillans sacred poems and private ejaculations. The second Edition, In two Books; By Henry Vaughan, Silurist |
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The hidden Treasure. |
 | Silex Scintillans |  |
52
The hidden Treasure.
VVhat
can the man do that succeeds the
King?
Even what was done before, and no new thing.
Who shews me but one grain of sincere light?
False stars and fire drakes, the deceits of night
Set forth to fool and foil thee, do not boast;
Such Coal-flames shew but Kitchin-rooms at most.
And those I saw search'd through; yea those and all
That these three thousand years time did let fall
To blinde the eyes of lookers-back, and I
Now all is done, finde all is vanity.
Those secret searches, which afflict the wise,
Paths that are hidden from the Vulturs eyes
I saw at distance, and where grows that fruit
Which others onely grope for and dispute.
Even what was done before, and no new thing.
Who shews me but one grain of sincere light?
False stars and fire drakes, the deceits of night
Set forth to fool and foil thee, do not boast;
Such Coal-flames shew but Kitchin-rooms at most.
And those I saw search'd through; yea those and all
That these three thousand years time did let fall
To blinde the eyes of lookers-back, and I
Now all is done, finde all is vanity.
Those secret searches, which afflict the wise,
Paths that are hidden from the Vulturs eyes
I saw at distance, and where grows that fruit
Which others onely grope for and dispute.
The worlds lov'd wisdom (for the worlds friends think
There is none else) did not the dreadful brink
And precipice it leads to, bid me flie
None could with more advantage use, then I.
There is none else) did not the dreadful brink
And precipice it leads to, bid me flie
None could with more advantage use, then I.
Mans favorite sins, those tainting appetites
Which nature breeds, and some fine clay invites,
With all their soft, kinde arts and easie strains
Which strongly operate, though without pains,
Did not a greater beauty rule mine eyes,
None would more dote on, nor so soon entice.
But since these sweets are sowre, and poyson'd here
Where the impure seeds flourish all the year,
And private Tapers will but help to stray
Ev'n those, who by them would finde out the day,
I'le seal my eyes up, and to thy commands
Submit my wilde heart, and restrain my hands;
I will do nothing, nothing know, nor see
But what thou bidst, and shew'st, and teachest me.
Look what thou gav'st; all that I do restore
But for one thing, though purchas'd once before.
Which nature breeds, and some fine clay invites,
With all their soft, kinde arts and easie strains
Which strongly operate, though without pains,
Did not a greater beauty rule mine eyes,
None would more dote on, nor so soon entice.
But since these sweets are sowre, and poyson'd here
Where the impure seeds flourish all the year,
And private Tapers will but help to stray
Ev'n those, who by them would finde out the day,
53
Submit my wilde heart, and restrain my hands;
I will do nothing, nothing know, nor see
But what thou bidst, and shew'st, and teachest me.
Look what thou gav'st; all that I do restore
But for one thing, though purchas'd once before.
| Silex Scintillans | |