University of Virginia Library


129

Tuesday Vespers.

Hymn XI.

[Fain would my thoughts fly up to Thee]

Fain would my thoughts fly up to Thee,
Thy peace sweet Lord to find:
But when I offer, still the world
Lays clogs upon my mind.
Sometimes I climb a litle way,
And thence look down below:
How nothing, there, do all things seem,
That here make such a show!
Then round about I turn my eys,
To feast my hungry sight:
I meet with heav'n in every thing;
In every thing delight.

130

I see thy Wisdom ruling all;
And it with joy admire:
I see my self among such hopes,
As set my hart on fire.
When I have thus triumph't a while,
And think to build my nest:
Some cross conceits come fluttering by,
And interrupt my rest.
Then to the earth again I fall;
And from my low dust cry;
'Twas not in my wing, Lord, but thine,
That I got up so high.
And now, my God, whether I rise,
Or still ly down in dust:
Both I submit to thy blest will;
In both on Thee I trust.
Guide thou my way, who art thy self
My everlasting End:
That every step, or swift, or slow,
Still to thy self may tend.
To Father, Son and holy Ghost,
One Consubstantial Three;
All highest praise, all humblest thanks,
Now, and for ever be.