Hymn II. For a Soveraign Prince.
[_]
We presume not to instruct Soveraign Princes, but
have only composed, in a brief Hymn, a few of
those many things which are pertinent to their considerations;
and perhaps an humble Pietie may by
this Occasion, otherwhile invite their Excellencies
to expresse their devotions in this or some other
Hymn.
Sing this as the 4 Psalme.
[1]
By
me, or by my Father's house,
Deserv'd it could not be;
That I, or any one of us,
Obtained this degree:
But, God who dealeth forth his own,
As him it liketh best,
On me those honours hath bestown,
Whereof I am possest.
2
Great hazards, many undergo
Such Titles to acquire;
Yet, neither finde content below,
Nor means of rising higher.
What, therefore, can I lesse repay
To him, whose Gift it is,
Then, otherwhile, to sing or say,
Some such like Hymn, as this?
3
Let me, oh Lord, my Diadem,
Vnto thy glory, we are;
And, be a blessing unto them,
Who my Lieg-people are.
Let not thy favours make my heart
To swell with wanton pride;
Or, from those Precepts to depart,
Which ought to be my guide.
4
But, teach me still in minde to beare,
From whom, this place I had;
And that ev'n they my brethren are,
Whose Ruler I was made:
Yea, cause me, evermore, to heed
That, I, and they, are thine;
Although, to serve the publike-need,
Their Goods, and Lives are mine.
5
Since ev'ry Subjects Cause, to me,
Should equally be dear;
In Justice, let the Poor man be
As precious, as the Peer.
And, lest men snares for me, may make,
At my Chief Counsell board,
Lord, let me daily Counsell take,
From thy Truth-speaking word.
6
Those Traitors chase out of my Court,
Who dare pervert the Laws;
Or, cause me by a false report,
To wrong an honest Cause.
And, let thy Judgements them devour,
(How strong soere they stand)
Who shall abuse my royall powre,
To hinder thy Command.
7
Within my Realm, let no man dare
My Statutes, to gain-say:
And, let me live as much in fear,
Thy Laws, to disobay.
So, I, and they, whom thou on me,
For Subjects, hast bestown;
Shall in each other, blessed be,
And, keep Sedition down.
8
Preserve to me, my Royall dues:
And, Grace vouchsafe me, still,
My just Prerogatives, to use,
According to thy will.
That, Evill men may fear my frown;
The Righteous, comfort finde;
And, I, obtain a better Crown,
When this must be resign'd.
