Hymn XVIII. For a Lover in generall.
[_]
Most make a jest of that naturall affection which is
termed Love; yet, in the well ordering of that
Passion, depends the temporall happinesse, or unhappinesse
of most men and women. This Hymn
was therefore, composed to instruct and remember
Lovers how to moderate that Affection, and to invoke divine assistance.
Sing this as the 51. Psalme.
[1]
Take heed my heart, for in my brest;
I, kindled feel a warm desire,
Which if not ordred or supprest,
May prove, at length, a banefull fire,
Therewith to play, though few do fear,
Yet, they who safely, scape the same,
By pow'r-divine, preserved are;
As were the Children, in the flame:
2
If (as men call it) Love it be;
Love is, me thinks, too much my Foe,
In taking, sleep and rest, from me.
Who know no cause it should do so.
In other thoughts, I spend the day
Then, heretofore, I mus'd upon:
Mine hours, I often sigh away;
I, pleasure take to be alone.
3
And, though, some, this disease deride,
Great flouds of teares the same hath cost.
Some have been shamed; some, have dide;
And, some, thereby their wits have lost.
Therefore, that I may take no harm
Whilst in my heart, such passions dwell,
With faith in God, I sing this charm:
And, he, I hope, will speed it well.
4
Lord! since in me, a youthfull heat,
Those kindly motions, hath begun,
Which nature doth in us beget;
And, humane-Reason cannot shun:
Grant me thy gracious ayd, I pray;
And, for my safegaurd, so provide;
That, what I cannot quite allay,
I may (through thy assistance) guide.
5
To understand, instruct my wit,
How far I may my fancie please:
Or, how far forth I should admit,
A future pain, for present ease.
Let not my heart, be made a prize;
To them, who true affections wrong;
To wanton smiles, or lustfull eyes,
Or, to a tempting Syrens tongue.
6
Let me be neither fool'd nor catch'd;
By honour, wealth, or painted skin.
Nor with unseemly yeers be match'd;
Nor with an evill famed kin.
But, chuse thou forth for me a mate,
Which, truly, may my equall be
In birth, in yeers, and in estate;
Or, have what wants suppli'd by thee.
7
Yea, let me my Affections, place,
Where, like Affection, may be found;
Where, Vertue may be joyn'd with Grace;
And, both with equall voice be crown'd,
That, thou maist in our love, delight,
And, that we may, by Love, ascend,
In our Affections, to that height;
And, to that Love, which hath an end.
