Divine emblems Embellished with etchings on copper, after the fashion of Master Francis Quarles. Designed and written by, Johann Abricht [i.e. Jonathan Birch |
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| I. |
| II. |
| III. |
| IV. |
| V. |
| VI. |
| VII. |
| VIII. |
| IX. | EMBLEM IX. |
| X. |
| XI. |
| XII. |
| 1. |
| 2. |
 | Divine emblems |  |
59
EMBLEM IX.
Be thou faithful unto death.
REV., chap. 2, v. 10.
[Return my best belov'd! nor linger longer, where]
I
Return my best belov'd! nor linger longer, whereThe nightingale is mute! though silent groves be there!
But spread the sails of my desires—thine anchor weigh;
For I am mark'd for scorn!—by thy prolonged stay.
The Nobles pass me by, with haughty eyes;
Nor hear my sighs!
The Merchants close their hands, and bar the door
'Gainst my implore!
The Maidens toss the head, and will not know,
One brought so low!
My Kindred fly me—when they should console
Mine anguish'd soul!
All this I suffer, and much more could bear!
Would my Beloved come—if he would draw more near!
Blow gently winds—ye balmy zephyrs play
Around my Love! whilst my Beloved's away.
60
II
Return my best belov'd! nor longer linger, whereThe nightingale is mute! though spicy woods be there!
But hoist the sails of my desires! thine anchor weigh;
For I am mark'd for scorn!—by thy protracted stay.
They ask me whom I love! but I thy name
Fear to proclaim!
Lest they should multiply their scoffs and sneers,
And mock my tears!
They doubt my honour!—thy betroth'd they shun
As one undone
By traitor!—left to tears, and sobs, and frights,
And sleepless nights.
All this I suffer, and yet more could bear!
Would my Beloved come—if he would draw more near!
Blow gently winds—ye fragrant zephyrs play
Around my Love—whilst my Beloved's away.
61
III
Return my best belov'd! nor linger longer, whereThe nightingale is mute! though spicy groves be there!
But spread the sails of my desires! thine anchor weigh;
For scorn I am the “mark!”—from thy prolonged stay.
Thou said'st, my Love! thou would'st return full soon:
By change of moon!
The moon has chang'd, and chang'd, and chang'd again
But chang'd in vain!
Nor Moon, nor Sun, has solace brought my heart,
Since thy depart!
But sorrowing days and nights fill up the space,
And blear my face.
All this I undergo—and more would bear!
Did my Beloved come—if he would draw more near!
Blow gently winds—ye rose-fraught zephyrs play
Around my Love—whilst my Beloved's away.
62
IV
Return my best belov'd! nor longer linger, whereThe nightingale is mute! tho' myrtle groves be there!
But hoist the sails of my desires! thine anchor weigh;
For scorn I'm made the “mark!”—from thy prolonged stay.
I will not breathe, thou might'st be back ere now:
By plighted vow!
I will not think thee fickle grown, and gone:
And I forlorn!
Oh no! but hope, with balmy breathing morn
Thou wilt return!
Fraught with delights, to succour, heal, and charm
My fond alarm.
Much have I undergone—and more could bear!
Did my Beloved come—if he would draw more near!
Blow gently winds—ye od'rous zephyrs play
Around my Love—whilst my Beloved's away.
63
V
Return my best belov'd—nor linger longer, where,The nightingale is mute! tho' citron groves be there!
But spread the sails of my desires! thine anchor weigh;
For I am stricken sore!—by thy protracted stay.
Come my beloved! to my loyal breast,
And be at rest!
Make it thy haven safe, from rock and billow:
Thy peaceful pillow!
Be thou my magnet—make the needle true,
Quickened by you!
Then height, nor depth, nor space shall sever
Our love—Oh never!
Much have I undergone, and more would bear!
Did my Beloved come—if he would draw more near!
Blow briskly winds—sweet fanning zephyrs play
Around my Love—my lover speeds his way!
64
Fear not, O Bride, nor despair; think not thyself contemned, if thy Bridegroom withdraw his face awhile.
AUTOR scalæ paradisi.
If the Church hath true love towards Christ, time and absence will but make it more binding—for the Spirit doth sometimes appear to be absent, and the Church suffers persecutions that it may be tried—but the Bridegroom will not tarry long away: therefore be ye faithful to Martyrdom.
ANON.
Let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is lovely.
My beloved is mine and I am his: he feedeth among the lilies.
CANT., chap. 2, v. 14, 16.
By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but found him not.
IB., chap. 3, v. 1.
EPIG.
[The true True-lovers'-knot but firmer ties]
The true True-lovers'-knot but firmer tiesThe farther lovers part—hold thou but fast—
Tho' still earth-bound—thy Love beyond the skies!
The tie contracts—the union's sure to last.
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