University of Virginia Library

To my worthy Kinsman Mr. George Sandys, on his excellent Paraphrase upon Iob.

Let others wanton it, while I admire
Thy warmth, which doth proceed from holy Fire.
'Tis Guilt, not Poetry, to be like those
Whose wit in Verse, is downe-right Sin in Prose:
Whose Studies are Prophannesse, as if then
They were good Poets only, when bad Men.
But these are purer Flames, nor shall thy Heat
Because 'tis good, be therefore thought not Great.
How vainly doe they erre, who thinke it fit
A sacred Subject should be void of Wit?
I boldly dare affirme, He never meant
We should be Dull, who bids, be Innocent.
'Tis no excuse, when you your charme reherse
So sweetly, not to heare, because 'tis Verse.
Religion is a Matron, whose grave Face
From Decent Vestures doth receive more Grace.
In holy duties fondly we affect
A mis-becomming Rudenesse, and suspect

---

Cleane Offerings; wee thinke God likes the Heart
Where least appeares of th'Vnderstanding part.
As if Gods Messengers did but delude,
Vnlesse what they deliver us, be rude.
Choice Language is the clothing of your Mind;
Your matter (like those Saints which are inshrin'd
In Gold, or like to Beauty, when the Lawne
With rosie cheeks bepurpled ore, is drawne
To boast the lovelinesse, it seemes to hide,
And shew more cunningly the blushing Bride.)
Hath hence a greater lustre; they not love
The Body lesse, who doe the Clothes approve.
So we upon this Iewell doe not set
Lesse price, because we praise the Cabinet.