The poems of John Wilmot: Earl of Rochester Edited by Keith Walker |
 |
| 3 |  |
| 2 |
Verses put into a Lady's Prayer-book. |
| 1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 | The poems of John Wilmot: Earl of Rochester |  |
Verses put into a Lady's Prayer-book.
Fling this useless Book away,And presume no more to Pray;
Heav'n is just, and can bestow
Mercy on none but those that Mercy show.
With a proud Heart maliciously inclin'd
Not to encrease, but to subdue Mankind.
In vain you vex the Gods with your Petition;
Without Repentance and sincere Contrition,
You're in a Reprobate Condition.
Phillis, to calm the angry Powers,
And save my Soul as well as yours,
Relieve poor Mortals from Despair,
And justifie the Gods that made you fair;
And in those bright and charming Eyes
Let Pity first appear, then Love;
That we by easie steps may rise
Through all the Joys on Earth, to those Above.
| The poems of John Wilmot: Earl of Rochester | |