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Divine poems

Containing The History of Ionah. Ester. Iob. Sampson. Sions Sonets. Elegies. Written and newly augmented, by Fra: Quarles

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5.

[Man in himselfe's a little World, Alone]

Man in himselfe's a little World, Alone,
His Soul's the Court, or high Imperiall throne
Wherein as Empresse sits the Vnderstanding
Gently directing, yet with awe Commanding:
Her Handmaid's will: Affections, Maids of Honour,
All following close, and duely waiting on her:
But Sin, that alwayes envi'd mans Condition,
Within this Kingdome raised up Division;

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Withdrawne the Will, and brib'd the false Affection,
That This, no order hath; nor That Election;
The Will proves Traitor to the Vnderstanding;
Reason hath lost her power, and left commanding,
She's quite depos'd, and put to foule disgrace,
And Tyrant Passion now usurps her place.
Vouchsafe (Lord) in this little World of mine
To raigne, that I may raigne with Thee in thine:
And since my Will is quite of good bereaven,
Thy will be done in earth, as 'tis in Heaven.