Du Bartas His Divine Weekes And Workes with A Compleate Collectio[n] of all the other most delight-full Workes: Translated and written by yt famous Philomusus: Iosvah Sylvester |
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| 2. | IOB. The second Booke.
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 | Du Bartas |  |
914
IOB. The second Booke.
To This of His (so hot and vehement)
Thus Eliphas (in the same Element):
Should one so wise (as thou doost vaunt thee heere)
Discourse so vainly? bring such idle geare?
Vent from the Centre of a swelling brest
As noysome Gales as the vnholsome East?
Trifle the Time (about I wot not what)
In idle and vnprofitadle chat?
Nay: nullifie Religious Feare and Pietie,
Not praying to, but pleading with the Deitie?
Which thine own mouth hath witnest too-too-far,
With subtile Cauils of a Sophister.
Yea, thine own mouth (not mine) shall thee conuince:
Against thy Selfe thy lippes giue Euidence.
Thus Eliphas (in the same Element):
Should one so wise (as thou doost vaunt thee heere)
Discourse so vainly? bring such idle geare?
Vent from the Centre of a swelling brest
As noysome Gales as the vnholsome East?
Trifle the Time (about I wot not what)
In idle and vnprofitadle chat?
Nay: nullifie Religious Feare and Pietie,
Not praying to, but pleading with the Deitie?
Which thine own mouth hath witnest too-too-far,
With subtile Cauils of a Sophister.
Yea, thine own mouth (not mine) shall thee conuince:
Against thy Selfe thy lippes giue Euidence.
VVhy Man! wert Thou the first man on the earth?
Or, wert Thou born before the Hills had birth?
Hast Thou alone God's Secret vnderstood?
And hast Thou onely Wisedom, in thy-Hood?
What is't Thou knowest, that VVe haue not kend?
VVhat vnderstand'st Thou, but VVe comprehend?
There are of Vs as old as Thou; or rather,
Some (I suppose) more antient then Thy Father:
And doost Thou slight our Comfort (godly sent)?
Or hast Thou of thine Owne more excellent?
Why doth thy heart, and whither, thee transport?
Why doost thou close thine eyes? that in this sort
Thy Spirit turns (shall I say spurns?) at God,
And from thy Lips spets words so bold and broad?
Or, wert Thou born before the Hills had birth?
Hast Thou alone God's Secret vnderstood?
And hast Thou onely Wisedom, in thy-Hood?
What is't Thou knowest, that VVe haue not kend?
VVhat vnderstand'st Thou, but VVe comprehend?
There are of Vs as old as Thou; or rather,
Some (I suppose) more antient then Thy Father:
And doost Thou slight our Comfort (godly sent)?
Or hast Thou of thine Owne more excellent?
Why doth thy heart, and whither, thee transport?
Why doost thou close thine eyes? that in this sort
Thy Spirit turns (shall I say spurns?) at God,
And from thy Lips spets words so bold and broad?
O! What is Man that He should clean exist?
Or Womans Son that He should Iust persist?
Behold, He found, his Angels stood not sure:
Neither, the Heauens, in His pure sight, are pure:
Then, How much-more, before Aim, filthy stinks
Stock-stained Man, who Sin, as Water, drinks?
Or Womans Son that He should Iust persist?
Behold, He found, his Angels stood not sure:
Neither, the Heauens, in His pure sight, are pure:
Then, How much-more, before Aim, filthy stinks
Stock-stained Man, who Sin, as Water, drinks?
I'll therfore shew thee (hark, and marke me well)
What I haue seen; I will declare and tell
What, from their Elders, Sages yerst haue know'n,
And to their Heires successiuely haue show'n.
Such as, indeed, haue had the Helm in hand,
To steer their Owne, and Strangers to with-stand.
What I haue seen; I will declare and tell
915
And to their Heires successiuely haue show'n.
Such as, indeed, haue had the Helm in hand,
To steer their Owne, and Strangers to with-stand.
The Wicked Man's in-labour, all his Life;
In bitter Pains, in Pangs, in Passions rife:
Number of yeares are seldome His, to summe:
A Sound of Feares still in His eares doth humme:
Or, if at all He seem in ease to swim;
The swift Destroyer shall soon seize on him,
Hap-less, and Hope-less euer to recouer;
Seeing the Sword, him euer hanging ouer.
In bitter Pains, in Pangs, in Passions rife:
Number of yeares are seldome His, to summe:
A Sound of Feares still in His eares doth humme:
Or, if at all He seem in ease to swim;
The swift Destroyer shall soon seize on him,
Hap-less, and Hope-less euer to recouer;
Seeing the Sword, him euer hanging ouer.
Needy, indeed; or greedy still of more
(Pining in Plenty, staruing in his Store)
He wanders, seeking of his Bread about;
In dread of Want; of a Black Day, in doubt:
Trouble and Anguish shall him deep affright;
As royall Armies ready for the Fight.
(Pining in Plenty, staruing in his Store)
He wanders, seeking of his Bread about;
In dread of Want; of a Black Day, in doubt:
Trouble and Anguish shall him deep affright;
As royall Armies ready for the Fight.
For, He hath stretched his proud hand at Heav'n;
And stubbornly hath with th'Almighty striv'n,
Running at Him, rushing vpon his Neck,
Yea, on the Bosses of his Shield so thick:
Because his Fat, his full broad Face doth couer;
And lardie Collops on his sides hang ouer;
And dwels in Houses, rather Townes of late
(By Him) dis-patron'd and depopulate;
By Him, re-built, re-gilt, re-glost, re-glas'd;
By Him, re-Named (ready to be ras'd).
And stubbornly hath with th'Almighty striv'n,
Running at Him, rushing vpon his Neck,
Yea, on the Bosses of his Shield so thick:
Because his Fat, his full broad Face doth couer;
And lardie Collops on his sides hang ouer;
And dwels in Houses, rather Townes of late
(By Him) dis-patron'd and depopulate;
By Him, re-built, re-gilt, re-glost, re-glas'd;
By Him, re-Named (ready to be ras'd).
Yet, shall not He be Rich; nor in Prosperity
Persist, nor leaue Possession to Posterity:
Nor, out of Darknes euer get shall He;
Nor euer other then inglorious be:
His Branch shall wither, and with Flame be wasted:
Him Self shall, sodain, with God's Breath be blasted,
Persist, nor leaue Possession to Posterity:
Nor, out of Darknes euer get shall He;
Nor euer other then inglorious be:
His Branch shall wither, and with Flame be wasted:
Him Self shall, sodain, with God's Breath be blasted,
Then, let not (hard-beleeuing haut Humanity)
O! let not the Deceiued trust in Vanity.
For, Vanity shall be his Recompence:
Before his Time shall he be snatched hence:
His Spring shall neuer sprout, his Flowers shall fall,
His Fruit, yer ripe, shall he off-shaken all
(As Grapes and Oliues, with vntimely Frost)
The Lord shall shake them, and they shall be lost.
O! let not the Deceiued trust in Vanity.
For, Vanity shall be his Recompence:
Before his Time shall he be snatched hence:
His Spring shall neuer sprout, his Flowers shall fall,
His Fruit, yer ripe, shall he off-shaken all
(As Grapes and Oliues, with vntimely Frost)
The Lord shall shake them, and they shall be lost.
For, th'Hypocrites Dissembling Congregation,
Shall be disperst, and brought to Desolation;
And sodainly shall Fire consume the Tents
Of Briberie with all their Instruments.
For, They conceiue but Mischiefe; breed But Guile,
And bring forth vain Iniquitie the while.
Shall be disperst, and brought to Desolation;
And sodainly shall Fire consume the Tents
Of Briberie with all their Instruments.
For, They conceiue but Mischiefe; breed But Guile,
And bring forth vain Iniquitie the while.
916
He pausing heer, Iob Thus replies him, sad:
Yet more of This? This haue we often had.
You are indeed a sort of Visiters;
A Crew of cold and wretched Comforters,
Shall idle, addle, aiery, Words surcease?
Or what doth make thee dare to dwel on these?
Yet more of This? This haue we often had.
You are indeed a sort of Visiters;
A Crew of cold and wretched Comforters,
Shall idle, addle, aiery, Words surcease?
Or what doth make thee dare to dwel on these?
Could I, as you, if you were in my Case,
And I in yours; your Soule in my Soules place:
Could I, against you, words haue multipli'd?
Insulted on you? at you, shook my head?
No: I should rather haue raught you Reliefe,
And with my speeches haue asswag'd your Griefe.
And I in yours; your Soule in my Soules place:
Could I, against you, words haue multipli'd?
Insulted on you? at you, shook my head?
No: I should rather haue raught you Reliefe,
And with my speeches haue asswag'd your Griefe.
But, though I plain, my Griefe's not mitigated;
Either, forbeare I, What is it abated?
For, He hath wearied me: Yea, Lord, Thou hast
Spoild me of All: and laid me wholly waste:
The wrinkled Furrowes, on my Brow and Back
(Bare skin and bone) bear witnesse of my Wrack.
Either, forbeare I, What is it abated?
For, He hath wearied me: Yea, Lord, Thou hast
Spoild me of All: and laid me wholly waste:
The wrinkled Furrowes, on my Brow and Back
(Bare skin and bone) bear witnesse of my Wrack.
My Foe's fell wrath hath raakt and rent me sore:
He striues against me; and still angry more,
More eager still, gnasheth his Teeth vpon me;
And with his eyes keen flashing frowneth on-me.
He striues against me; and still angry more,
More eager still, gnasheth his Teeth vpon me;
And with his eyes keen flashing frowneth on-me.
My Friends (alas!) they laugh at me the while,
They buffet me, and bitterly reuile;
They gape vpon me, and together gather,
Not to relieue me, but to grieue me, rather.
Thus hath God hemm'd me with vngodly Bands,
And turnd me ouer into Wicked hands.
They buffet me, and bitterly reuile;
They gape vpon me, and together gather,
Not to relieue me, but to grieue me, rather.
Thus hath God hemm'd me with vngodly Bands,
And turnd me ouer into Wicked hands.
I was at ease; When, by the Neck he took-me,
Brake me a-sunder, and to shiuers shook me:
And (whether for Disport or for Desptie.
Made me his Butte, and set me as his White.
His cunning Archers do beset me round:
He cleaues my Reines; and ruth-less, on the ground
Poures-out my Gall: with doubled Blowes he crushes,
And Giant-like, vpon me fiercely rushes.
Brake me a-sunder, and to shiuers shook me:
And (whether for Disport or for Desptie.
Made me his Butte, and set me as his White.
His cunning Archers do beset me round:
He cleaues my Reines; and ruth-less, on the ground
Poures-out my Gall: with doubled Blowes he crushes,
And Giant-like, vpon me fiercely rushes.
I Haue in Sack-cloth sadly sow'd my Skin,
In Dust and Ashes haue I humbled bin,
I haue (alas!) besmeard my Face with Teares,
On mine Eie-lids Death's Shade hath swom, in Fears:
For no foule Sin; neither, for Fashions sake,
To seem a Saint: pure Prayers did I make,
Pure and Sincere: else, neuer may they come
In Heau'n, to haue either regard or roome.
Neither, O Earth! if euer Blood I shed,
O! let it not by Thee be couered.
In Dust and Ashes haue I humbled bin,
I haue (alas!) besmeard my Face with Teares,
On mine Eie-lids Death's Shade hath swom, in Fears:
For no foule Sin; neither, for Fashions sake,
To seem a Saint: pure Prayers did I make,
Pure and Sincere: else, neuer may they come
In Heau'n, to haue either regard or roome.
Neither, O Earth! if euer Blood I shed,
O! let it not by Thee be couered.
But lo, my Witnesse is in Heav'n aboue;
My Record there, my Conscience to approue.
My friends contemne me, and condemne me too:
But, drown'd in teares, to God appeal I doo.
O! that one might (as Man with Man, in Sute)
That, Neighbor-like, one might with God dispute.
For the few Daies of my set number gone,
I goe the Way from whence Returne is none.
My Record there, my Conscience to approue.
917
But, drown'd in teares, to God appeal I doo.
O! that one might (as Man with Man, in Sute)
That, Neighbor-like, one might with God dispute.
For the few Daies of my set number gone,
I goe the Way from whence Returne is none.
My Spirit's spent: my Daies are don (and leaue me)
The Graue's already ready to receiue me.
Yet are there with me none but those that mock me:
Doth not mine eye still see them still prouoke me?
The Graue's already ready to receiue me.
Yet are there with me none but those that mock me:
Doth not mine eye still see them still prouoke me?
But, put me in a Surety, giue me Pledge,
To answer me what I shall then alledge.
Who'll vndertake it? VVho will giue his hand,
That to the Triall Thou wilt daign to stand?
Sith Thou, O Lord, Their hearts hast hidden quight,
From Vnderstanding, and from iudging right;
And therefore wilt not, for their Arrogance,
Admit of them, nor them so high aduance.
To answer me what I shall then alledge.
Who'll vndertake it? VVho will giue his hand,
That to the Triall Thou wilt daign to stand?
Sith Thou, O Lord, Their hearts hast hidden quight,
From Vnderstanding, and from iudging right;
And therefore wilt not, for their Arrogance,
Admit of them, nor them so high aduance.
Not, that I would, they should haue sooth'd me neither:
For such shall perish, and their Seed together.
But, to the Vulgar I am made a Song,
A Tale, a Tabret vnto euery Tongue
(Through grief whereof, mine Eye decaies and dims;
And as a Shadowe are my other Limbs).
The better sort, amazed at my Plight,
The Innocent, iudge me an Hypocrite.
Yet, shall the Righteous still hold on his Course;
And the Sincere shall still adde force to force.
For such shall perish, and their Seed together.
But, to the Vulgar I am made a Song,
A Tale, a Tabret vnto euery Tongue
(Through grief whereof, mine Eye decaies and dims;
And as a Shadowe are my other Limbs).
The better sort, amazed at my Plight,
The Innocent, iudge me an Hypocrite.
Yet, shall the Righteous still hold on his Course;
And the Sincere shall still adde force to force.
Therefore, my Friends, returne, recant, re-call
Your hard Opinions, and mis-Censures, all:
For, of you all, not one Wise man I finde;
Nor fit Physician for a troubled minde.
Your hard Opinions, and mis-Censures, all:
For, of you all, not one Wise man I finde;
Nor fit Physician for a troubled minde.
My Dayes are past; and my Dessignes vndon;
Yea, euen my Hopes (my hearts Possessions) gon:
My Noone (alas!) is changed into Night;
Small ods there is twixt Darknesse and my Light.
What can I looke for, but among the Dead
To make my House? to haue my Graue, for Bed?
For, to Corruption, thus aloud I call;
Thou art my Father: to the Worms that crawl,
You are my Mother and my Sisters, all.
Yea, euen my Hopes (my hearts Possessions) gon:
My Noone (alas!) is changed into Night;
Small ods there is twixt Darknesse and my Light.
What can I looke for, but among the Dead
To make my House? to haue my Graue, for Bed?
For, to Corruption, thus aloud I call;
Thou art my Father: to the Worms that crawl,
You are my Mother and my Sisters, all.
Where's then my Hope? How shall that Hap appeer,
Which you yer-while did so re-promise, heer?
Those things, with me, shall downe into the Deep:
And, with my Dust, amid the Dust shall sleep.
Which you yer-while did so re-promise, heer?
Those things, with me, shall downe into the Deep:
And, with my Dust, amid the Dust shall sleep.
Then said the Shuhite: Will you neuer cease
Your tedious Talking? Neuer hold your peace?
Forbeare a while; giue eare a little now:
Obserue our Speech, and we will answer you.
But, why, as Beasts, are we vpbraided thus?
And why so basely doe you count of vs?
He, rather seems to be besides his Sense,
That wounds him Selfe in his Impatience.
Your tedious Talking? Neuer hold your peace?
Forbeare a while; giue eare a little now:
Obserue our Speech, and we will answer you.
918
And why so basely doe you count of vs?
He, rather seems to be besides his Sense,
That wounds him Selfe in his Impatience.
Why? Shall the Earth, for Thy sake be forsaken?
The Rocks remou'd? and solid Hils be shaken?
No, no: The Light of Wicked-ones shall out:
His Fiery Sparkle shall not shine about;
Within his Doores shall Darknes be for Light:
With Him, his Candle shall be quenched quight:
His Strength shall faile him (or be fatall to him):
His Counsels cast him; His owne Wit vndoo-him:
For, his owne Feet shall bring him to the Net;
And willingly vpon the Gin shall iet:
Him, by the heele the subtill Snare shall catch:
Him, shall the Theeues and Robbers ouer-match:
For him are laid the Meshes of Mis-hap;
Traines on the ground, and in his wayes a Trap:
Him, on all sides, sad Terrors shall affright;
And sudden driue him to his Feet, to flight:
His plentious Store shall Famine soon deuour:
Destructions, Sword shall hunt-him euery-hower,
Consume his Sinewes, and vn-bar his Skin:
And Pestilence (Death's Heire) shall rage within,
His Hope shall hop without his expctation:
His Confidence shall from his Habitation
Be rooted out, and razed (as it were)
And bring him downe to the drad King of Feare;
Who aye shall dwell within His Tabernacle,
(Because not His, not his owne Habitacle):
Some secret Harme, som Flash, som Sulphury shower,
Shall sudden spred amid his cursed Bower:
His Roots belowe shall rot amid the Clay;
His Boughes aboue be cut and cast away:
His Memorie shall perish from the Earth;
His Name heer nameless (as before his Birth)
He shall be driv'n to Darknes, from the Light:
And forth the World he shall be hunted quight.
Nor Sonne, nor Nephew shall be leaue behind;
Nor in his Houses any of his Kind.
So that, the Ages, present, and to come,
Shall stand amazed at his dismall Doome.
And This is sure the Lot, the heauie Load
Of VVicked-ones, that fear not, know not God.
The Rocks remou'd? and solid Hils be shaken?
No, no: The Light of Wicked-ones shall out:
His Fiery Sparkle shall not shine about;
Within his Doores shall Darknes be for Light:
With Him, his Candle shall be quenched quight:
His Strength shall faile him (or be fatall to him):
His Counsels cast him; His owne Wit vndoo-him:
For, his owne Feet shall bring him to the Net;
And willingly vpon the Gin shall iet:
Him, by the heele the subtill Snare shall catch:
Him, shall the Theeues and Robbers ouer-match:
For him are laid the Meshes of Mis-hap;
Traines on the ground, and in his wayes a Trap:
Him, on all sides, sad Terrors shall affright;
And sudden driue him to his Feet, to flight:
His plentious Store shall Famine soon deuour:
Destructions, Sword shall hunt-him euery-hower,
Consume his Sinewes, and vn-bar his Skin:
And Pestilence (Death's Heire) shall rage within,
His Hope shall hop without his expctation:
His Confidence shall from his Habitation
Be rooted out, and razed (as it were)
And bring him downe to the drad King of Feare;
Who aye shall dwell within His Tabernacle,
(Because not His, not his owne Habitacle):
Some secret Harme, som Flash, som Sulphury shower,
Shall sudden spred amid his cursed Bower:
His Roots belowe shall rot amid the Clay;
His Boughes aboue be cut and cast away:
His Memorie shall perish from the Earth;
His Name heer nameless (as before his Birth)
He shall be driv'n to Darknes, from the Light:
And forth the World he shall be hunted quight.
Nor Sonne, nor Nephew shall be leaue behind;
Nor in his Houses any of his Kind.
So that, the Ages, present, and to come,
Shall stand amazed at his dismall Doome.
And This is sure the Lot, the heauie Load
Of VVicked-ones, that fear not, know not God.
Iob then reply'd: Alas! how long will Yee
Torment my Soule, with words; and torture Mee:
Ten times ye haue with too obdurate minde,
Reproacht mee This: vnciuill and vnkind.
Torment my Soule, with words; and torture Mee:
Ten times ye haue with too obdurate minde,
Reproacht mee This: vnciuill and vnkind.
919
But, put the Case, that I haue sinn'd, indeed:
Must not I beare it? Then (alas!) what need
You load me more; and magnifie your wit,
To amplifie my Guilt, and Griefe of it?
Seeing you see that Go o hath cast me downe,
And with his Net hath compassed me round.
Must not I beare it? Then (alas!) what need
You load me more; and magnifie your wit,
To amplifie my Guilt, and Griefe of it?
Seeing you see that Go o hath cast me downe,
And with his Net hath compassed me round.
Lo, I cry-out of wrong and violence;
Aloud I cry; yet haue no Audience,
Nor Ease at all: He hath so hedg'd my VVay,
I cannot passe: My Paths, in stead of Day,
Are Darke beset: He hath my glorie reft;
And from my head He hath the Crowne bereft:
He hath destroy'd me, euery-way vndone:
My Hope, remoued (as a Tree) is gone:
And more, His Wrath against me fiercely fryes;
He reckons Me among his Enemies:
His Troupes assembled, march against Me, egre;
And, round about my feeble Tent beleguer:
He hath disperst my Brethren from me farre;
To Me, my Kindred as meer Strangers are;
My Neighbors flie me; my Familiar Frend
Hath now forgot me (as if neuer kend):
Nay: mine own Household; Men, Maid-seruants, all,
Count me a Stranger, care not for my Call,
Nor will come at me; though I speak them faire:
Nay: to mine own Wife (for the noisome aire)
My Breath is strange, though I beseech her, sad,
By those deer Pledges wee together had.
The Basest scorn me; and when vp I rise,
They spet their Spight in bitter Obloquies.
Mine Intime-most, Those that I loued best
Abhor mee All, and me the most molest.
My Bones, in stead of Flesh, cleaue to my skin;
And that not sound, saue what my Teeth grow in.
Then pitty me, O pitty me, my Friends;
Sith God on me his heauie hand extends:
Ah! Why do you yet persecute me, rough,
As God? Alas! hath not my Flesh enough?
Aloud I cry; yet haue no Audience,
Nor Ease at all: He hath so hedg'd my VVay,
I cannot passe: My Paths, in stead of Day,
Are Darke beset: He hath my glorie reft;
And from my head He hath the Crowne bereft:
He hath destroy'd me, euery-way vndone:
My Hope, remoued (as a Tree) is gone:
And more, His Wrath against me fiercely fryes;
He reckons Me among his Enemies:
His Troupes assembled, march against Me, egre;
And, round about my feeble Tent beleguer:
He hath disperst my Brethren from me farre;
To Me, my Kindred as meer Strangers are;
My Neighbors flie me; my Familiar Frend
Hath now forgot me (as if neuer kend):
Nay: mine own Household; Men, Maid-seruants, all,
Count me a Stranger, care not for my Call,
Nor will come at me; though I speak them faire:
Nay: to mine own Wife (for the noisome aire)
My Breath is strange, though I beseech her, sad,
By those deer Pledges wee together had.
The Basest scorn me; and when vp I rise,
They spet their Spight in bitter Obloquies.
Mine Intime-most, Those that I loued best
Abhor mee All, and me the most molest.
My Bones, in stead of Flesh, cleaue to my skin;
And that not sound, saue what my Teeth grow in.
Then pitty me, O pitty me, my Friends;
Sith God on me his heauie hand extends:
Ah! Why do you yet persecute me, rough,
As God? Alas! hath not my Flesh enough?
O! that my words (the words I now asseuer)
Were writ, were printed, and (to last for-euer)
Were grav'n in Marble with an Iron pen
With Lead in-yoated (to fill vp agen).
Were writ, were printed, and (to last for-euer)
Were grav'n in Marble with an Iron pen
With Lead in-yoated (to fill vp agen).
I surely knowe that my Redeemer liueth:
And that He shall (This, firme my Faith belieueth.)
In th'End of Time, return and rise from Dust
(The First and Last) to iudge and saue the Iust:
And, that, I shall, when worms haue eat This Clod,
I shall awake, and in my flesh see GOD:
Yea: I shall see him with These Eyes of mine;
And with none else: though Now in Paines I pine.
And that He shall (This, firme my Faith belieueth.)
In th'End of Time, return and rise from Dust
(The First and Last) to iudge and saue the Iust:
And, that, I shall, when worms haue eat This Clod,
I shall awake, and in my flesh see GOD:
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And with none else: though Now in Paines I pine.
The rather, therefore should you now retract,
And Thus Your-selues discreetly now correct:
Why persecute We Him? Why hate Him, Wee?
Sith This Foundation is thus fixt in Mee,
Then, be you warn'd: beware, and fear the Sword:
For Wickednes and Cruelty [in word]
Incenseth Wrath: Know, there shall Iudgement come,
To doom them right, who Others (rash) misdoom.
And Thus Your-selues discreetly now correct:
Why persecute We Him? Why hate Him, Wee?
Sith This Foundation is thus fixt in Mee,
Then, be you warn'd: beware, and fear the Sword:
For Wickednes and Cruelty [in word]
Incenseth Wrath: Know, there shall Iudgement come,
To doom them right, who Others (rash) misdoom.
Scarce had He done, when the Naamathite
Replyes him Thus: Therefore my thoughts incite
My suddain Answer: therfore, am I spurr'd
(Regarding light thy sharp and shamefull Gird)
With speed to speake, vnto the Point in hand,
What I conceiue, and rightly vnderstand.
Replyes him Thus: Therefore my thoughts incite
My suddain Answer: therfore, am I spurr'd
(Regarding light thy sharp and shamefull Gird)
With speed to speake, vnto the Point in hand,
What I conceiue, and rightly vnderstand.
Know'st thou not This of old, through euery Age,
Since first on Earth began Man's Pilgrimage;
That the triumphing of the Wicked Sort,
The Ioy of th'Hypocrite is euer short?
Although to Heav'n hee mount his glorious Top;
Though to the Clowds his head be lifted vp;
Yet shall he perish, as his dung, for aye:
And who hath seen them, shal ask, Where are they?
As Dreames forgotten, shall he take his flight;
Yea chas'd away, as Visions of the Night:
Th'Eye that hath seen him, shall not see him twise,
Nor shall his Places him againe reuise.
His Children shall be fawning on the Poore,
And His Extortions shall to them restore:
His Bones are full of his Youth's sinnes (his Lust)
VVhich shall not leaue him till he lie in dust:
Though to his Taste his Sin be passing sweet,
Though vnder-neath his Tongue he couer it,
Though there he spare it, and not spet it out,
Though on his Palate still it roule about;
Yet is his Meat turnd, in his Bowells, all;
And is, within him, as the Aspic's Gall:
H'hath swallow'd Wealth, but God shall make him fain
To spue it out, to cast it vp againe:
He shall the Aspic's direfull Poison suck:
With Vipers tongues he shall be deadly stuck:
He shall not see the Oylie Riuers Currents,
Nor Brooks of Butter, nor the Honny Torrents:
His Labour neuer shall regain his Losse:
He shall restore whom he before did crosse;
The Restitution shall be all his state;
He neuer shall digest, nor ioy thereat;
Because the Poore he crushed, and forsook;
And Others Houses violently took.
Sure he shall haue no quiet Calm within;
Without, no Store of what he ioyeth in.
There shall be no Remainder of his meat;
And his Reuersions none shall wait to eat:
Nay: in his Ruffe, and at his greatest Height,
He shall be stocked in full many a Strait:
Continuall Hazards shall him round enring;
Each spigthfull hand shall haue at him a fling:
When he is readie for his rich Repast,
On Him will God his fierie Furie cast;
Amid his Feasts his drad Displeasure thrilling
Instead of Food, his brest with horror filling;
If he escape the Sword; from Bowe's of steel
Steel-headed Arrowes shall him thorough thrill:
The naked Swords bright-shining terror shall
Peep through his Bosom, creep thruogh guts and gall.
Horrors shall haunt him: and so, hard-bestid,
From hiding him, all Darknes shall behid.
A Fire vnblow'n him suddain shall consume:
And woe to them that tarry in his Roome:
Heav'n shall discouer his Iniquities,
And Earth for witnesse shall against him rise;
All his Reuenewes, all his state, and stay,
Shall flowe to Others in his VVrathfull Day.
This is the Portion of the Wicked: This
His Heritage by God appointed is.
Since first on Earth began Man's Pilgrimage;
That the triumphing of the Wicked Sort,
The Ioy of th'Hypocrite is euer short?
Although to Heav'n hee mount his glorious Top;
Though to the Clowds his head be lifted vp;
Yet shall he perish, as his dung, for aye:
And who hath seen them, shal ask, Where are they?
As Dreames forgotten, shall he take his flight;
Yea chas'd away, as Visions of the Night:
Th'Eye that hath seen him, shall not see him twise,
Nor shall his Places him againe reuise.
His Children shall be fawning on the Poore,
And His Extortions shall to them restore:
His Bones are full of his Youth's sinnes (his Lust)
VVhich shall not leaue him till he lie in dust:
Though to his Taste his Sin be passing sweet,
Though vnder-neath his Tongue he couer it,
Though there he spare it, and not spet it out,
Though on his Palate still it roule about;
Yet is his Meat turnd, in his Bowells, all;
And is, within him, as the Aspic's Gall:
H'hath swallow'd Wealth, but God shall make him fain
To spue it out, to cast it vp againe:
He shall the Aspic's direfull Poison suck:
With Vipers tongues he shall be deadly stuck:
He shall not see the Oylie Riuers Currents,
Nor Brooks of Butter, nor the Honny Torrents:
His Labour neuer shall regain his Losse:
He shall restore whom he before did crosse;
The Restitution shall be all his state;
He neuer shall digest, nor ioy thereat;
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And Others Houses violently took.
Sure he shall haue no quiet Calm within;
Without, no Store of what he ioyeth in.
There shall be no Remainder of his meat;
And his Reuersions none shall wait to eat:
Nay: in his Ruffe, and at his greatest Height,
He shall be stocked in full many a Strait:
Continuall Hazards shall him round enring;
Each spigthfull hand shall haue at him a fling:
When he is readie for his rich Repast,
On Him will God his fierie Furie cast;
Amid his Feasts his drad Displeasure thrilling
Instead of Food, his brest with horror filling;
If he escape the Sword; from Bowe's of steel
Steel-headed Arrowes shall him thorough thrill:
The naked Swords bright-shining terror shall
Peep through his Bosom, creep thruogh guts and gall.
Horrors shall haunt him: and so, hard-bestid,
From hiding him, all Darknes shall behid.
A Fire vnblow'n him suddain shall consume:
And woe to them that tarry in his Roome:
Heav'n shall discouer his Iniquities,
And Earth for witnesse shall against him rise;
All his Reuenewes, all his state, and stay,
Shall flowe to Others in his VVrathfull Day.
This is the Portion of the Wicked: This
His Heritage by God appointed is.
So, Zophar ceast. Then Iob reply'd: I pray
Heare heedfully what Now I haue to say:
Be this the Comfort you vouchsafe, alone;
Let Me but speak; and afterwards, mock on.
Heare heedfully what Now I haue to say:
Be this the Comfort you vouchsafe, alone;
Let Me but speak; and afterwards, mock on.
Doe I complain, or make my moan to Man?
Why doe you crosse, or interrupt me, than?
If I haue cause of Griefe should not my spirit
Be moou'd withall? Can flesh and Bloud forbear it?
Behold me well; and be withall dismay'd:
And let your hand vpon your mouth be layd.
Thought of the like (else-where) would me affright,
And daunt my Flesh: How then, my present sight?
Why doe you crosse, or interrupt me, than?
If I haue cause of Griefe should not my spirit
Be moou'd withall? Can flesh and Bloud forbear it?
Behold me well; and be withall dismay'd:
And let your hand vpon your mouth be layd.
Thought of the like (else-where) would me affright,
And daunt my Flesh: How then, my present sight?
How comes it, that the Wicked liue, liue long;
Grow Rich, grow Great; wex Eminent, and Strong;
They see their Children, and Grand-children, rife
Settled about them: In their House, no Strife;
No Feare; no Foe: They feele not any Rod,
No stripe, no stroak, of the drad hand of God.
Their Bullock genders, and proues euer fit:
Their Heifer calues, and neuer casteth it:
Their Little ones, like Lambkins send they out;
Their Stripplings play and skip, and daunce about;
They tune their Voice to sweetest Instruments,
Harp, Pipe and Tabret; to delight their sense:
In Wealth and Health They liue; scarce, euer, sick.
Of long Disease; but to their Graues go quick.
Grow Rich, grow Great; wex Eminent, and Strong;
They see their Children, and Grand-children, rife
Settled about them: In their House, no Strife;
No Feare; no Foe: They feele not any Rod,
No stripe, no stroak, of the drad hand of God.
Their Bullock genders, and proues euer fit:
Their Heifer calues, and neuer casteth it:
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Their Stripplings play and skip, and daunce about;
They tune their Voice to sweetest Instruments,
Harp, Pipe and Tabret; to delight their sense:
In Wealth and Health They liue; scarce, euer, sick.
Of long Disease; but to their Graues go quick.
Yet These are Those, that to th'Almighty say,
Depart from vs; ne will not learn thy Way:
Who is the Lord? that we should Him obay?
What should we profit, if to Him we pray?
Depart from vs; ne will not learn thy Way:
Who is the Lord? that we should Him obay?
What should we profit, if to Him we pray?
They haue not sure the power in their Owne hand,
To get and keep their Wealth at their Command.
Be therefore farre, be euer farre from Mee,
Their Works, and Words, and Thought's Impietie:
Farre be their Counsailes: far be all their VVaies:
And farre the Peace of their so prosperous Dayes.
To get and keep their Wealth at their Command.
Be therefore farre, be euer farre from Mee,
Their Works, and Words, and Thought's Impietie:
Farre be their Counsailes: far be all their VVaies:
And farre the Peace of their so prosperous Dayes.
And yet, how often is their Lamp put-out?
How often are They compassed about
With swift Destruction? In his Furie strict,
How oft doth God their Paiment here inflict?
How oft, as Straw before the winde, are They,
And as the Chaff with Tempest whift away?
How oft doth God, in the Vngodly's sight,
For Their own Guilt, their own deere Issue smite?
Or, lets Themselues heer see themselues vndone;
Drinking the hot Wrath of th'Almighty-one?
For, what is it to Them? or what care They
(Their Months cut off; Their mouths once stopt with clay)
What hap their house what hazard follow shall:
What Weale or VVoe, vnto their Heires befall?
How often are They compassed about
With swift Destruction? In his Furie strict,
How oft doth God their Paiment here inflict?
How oft, as Straw before the winde, are They,
And as the Chaff with Tempest whift away?
How oft doth God, in the Vngodly's sight,
For Their own Guilt, their own deere Issue smite?
Or, lets Themselues heer see themselues vndone;
Drinking the hot Wrath of th'Almighty-one?
For, what is it to Them? or what care They
(Their Months cut off; Their mouths once stopt with clay)
What hap their house what hazard follow shall:
What Weale or VVoe, vnto their Heires befall?
But herein, who God's VVisedome shall impeach?
Or, who shall Him, that rules the highest, teach?
One dies at ease, in Strength's perfection growing;
His Brests with Milk, his Bones with Marrow flowing.
Another dies in Anguish of his Spirit;
And neuer did good Day or Night inherit:
Both are, alike, laid in the Dust together;
And VVormes, alike, doo case and couer Either.
Or, who shall Him, that rules the highest, teach?
One dies at ease, in Strength's perfection growing;
His Brests with Milk, his Bones with Marrow flowing.
Another dies in Anguish of his Spirit;
And neuer did good Day or Night inherit:
Both are, alike, laid in the Dust together;
And VVormes, alike, doo case and couer Either.
Lo, I conceiue your mis-conceipts, from hence;
Your mis-collections, and your wrested Sense:
For, VVhere (say ye) Where's now the Princes Court?
And VVhere the Palace of the wicked sort?
Haue ye not asked those that trauaile by?
And doe ye, can ye, yet Their Marks deny?
That (for the most) the VVicked most are spared,
Repriued heer; till That dread Day prepared
For dire Destruction: and then (for their Errors)
Shall be brought-forth, in That great Day of Terrors.
Your mis-collections, and your wrested Sense:
For, VVhere (say ye) Where's now the Princes Court?
And VVhere the Palace of the wicked sort?
Haue ye not asked those that trauaile by?
And doe ye, can ye, yet Their Marks deny?
That (for the most) the VVicked most are spared,
Repriued heer; till That dread Day prepared
For dire Destruction: and then (for their Errors)
Shall be brought-forth, in That great Day of Terrors.
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For Heer so Mighty and so Great they are;
Who, to their face shall their Offence declare?
Who dares disclose it? Who shall prosecute?
And their due Sentence Who shall execute?
Who, to their face shall their Offence declare?
Who dares disclose it? Who shall prosecute?
And their due Sentence Who shall execute?
Nay (notwithstanding) to their Graue in peace
They passe, with Pompe of solemne Obsequies;
Accompany'd, attended (in their kinde)
With Mourning Troupes, before them and behinde:
Entomb'd among their Ancestors; and rest
In gloomie Vales, as happy as the Best.
How do You then, Me comfort, or confute;
VVhile vainly thus, and falsly you dispute?
They passe, with Pompe of solemne Obsequies;
Accompany'd, attended (in their kinde)
With Mourning Troupes, before them and behinde:
Entomb'd among their Ancestors; and rest
In gloomie Vales, as happy as the Best.
How do You then, Me comfort, or confute;
VVhile vainly thus, and falsly you dispute?
| Du Bartas | |