The Song of the Prophet
Isaiah. chap. 5.
1
I to my Well-beloved, now,
and of his Vine-yard (will
Sing a sweet Song) which he has set,
upon a fruitful Hill;
2
He Fenced it, and gather'd out
the Stones that did offend,
He Planted it with choicest Vine,
and it he did defend:
3
A Tower in the midst he built,
and made a Wine-Press too,
And lookt that it should bring forth Fruit,
his Glory great to show;
4
But it brought forth Wild Grapes: Alass!
to thee, Jerusalem,
And Judah also I'll appeal,
and to all thinking Men;
5
'Twixt Me and my Vine-yard to Judge;
what further do could I
Unto my Vine-yard? when I loo'kt,
no Fruit could I espy:
6
Instead of Grapes, it did bring forth
Wild Grapes: O then go to,
Unto my Vine-yard, I'll declare
what 'tis that I will do.
7
I'll take away the Hedge thereof,
my Anger shall be shown,
Eat up it shall, and it's strong Wall
shall quite be overthrown;
8
And I will lay it Waste, and it
not Dig, nor Prune again;
But there shall come Bryers and Thorns,
and on it fall no Rain.
9
For the House of Israel, and
the Men of Judah be
The pleasant Vine-yard of the Lord;
but when he lookt to see
10
Judgment and true Justice done,
Oppression did espy;
And when he look'd for Righteousness,
behold! a bitter Cry.
