Blows all the dust about the floor: But while he thinks to spoil the room, he Blest be the Architect, whose art Could build so strong in a weak heart. sweeps. XLI. THE WINDOWS. LORD, how can man preach thy eternal word? Yet in thy temple thou dost him afford But when thou dost anneal in glass thy story, The holy Preachers, then the light and glory Doctrine and life, colours and light, in one When they combine and mingle, bring XLII. TRINITY-SUNDAY. LORD, who hast form'd me out of mud, Purge all my sins done heretofore; Enrich my heart, mouth, hands in me, XLIII. CONTENT. PEACE muttering thoughts, and do not grudge to Can on another's hardly rest. Gad not abroad at every quest and call To court each place or fortune that doth fall, Mark how the fire in flints doth quiet lie, [keep Give me the pliant mind, whose gentle measure Which can let loose to a crown, and yet with pleasure This soul doth span the world, and hang content From either pole unto the centre : Where in each room of the well-furnish'd tent He lies warm, and without adventure. The brags of life are but a nine diys' wond Only thy Chronicle is lost and yet Better by worms be all once spent, Than to have hellish moths still gnaw and f Thy name in books, which may not ren When all thy deeds, whose brunt thou feel'st And as their wit is, their digestion, Thy nourish'd fame is weak or strong. Then cease discoursing soul, till thine own gro He that by seeking hath himself once found, XLIV. THE QUIDDITY. My God, a verse is not a crown; It cannot vault, or dance, or play; It is no office, art, or news; XLV. HUMILITY. I saw the Virtues sitting hand in hand Humility, who sat the lowest there To execute their call, When by the beasts the presents tender'd were, Gave them about to all. The angry Lion did present his paw, The jealous Turkey brought his coral chain, That went to Temperance. On Justice was bestow'd the Fox's brain, Kill'd in the way by chance. At length the Crow, bringing the Peacock's plume, Till they fell out; which when the beasts espied, F And if the Fox had lived to rule their side, They had deposed each one. Humility, who held the plume, at this Did weep so fast, that the tears trickling down They drive them soon away; And then amerced them, double gifts to bring XLVI. FRAILTY. LORD, in my silence how do I despise What upon trust Is styled honour, riches, or fair eyes; But is fair dust! I surname them gilded clay, Upon their head. But when I view abroad both Regiments, The world's, and thine; Thine clad with simpleness, and sad events; Full of glory and gay weeds, Brave language, braver deeds: That which was dust before, doth quickly rise, And prick mine eyes. |