Which others at their bar so often wrench; And what the Swede intends, and what the French: To measure life learn thou betimes, and know Tow'rd solid good what leads the nearest way; For other things mild Heaven a time ordains, And disapproves that care, though wise in show, That with superfluous burden loads the day, And, when God sends a cheerful hour, refrains. TO THE SAME. CYRIAC, this three-years-day these eyes, though clear Against Heaven's hand or will, nor bate a jot Of which all Europe rings from side to side. This thought might lead me through the world's vain mask Content, though blind, had I no better guide. ON HIS DECEASED WIFE. METHOUGHT I saw my late espoused saint Brought to me, like Alcestis, from the grave, Whom Jove's great son to her glad husband gave, Rescued from death by force, though pale and faint. Mine, as whom wash'd from spot of child-bed taint, Purification in th' old law did save, And such, as yet once more I trust to have Full sight of her in Heaven without restraint, Came vested all in white, pure as her mind : Her face was veil'd; yet, to my fancied sight, Love, sweetness, goodness, in her person shin'd So clear, as in no face with more delight: But O! as to embrace me she inclir'd, I wak'd; she fled; and day brought back my night. PSALMS PSALM I [Done into verse, 1653.1 BLESS'D is the man who hath not walk'd astray And in his law he studies, day and night. PSALM IT. Done August 8, 1653. Terzetti THY do the Gentiles tumult, and the nations Muse a vain thing, the kings of th' earth upstand With power, and princes in their congregations Lay deep their plots together through each land Against the Lord and his Messiah dear? Let us break off, say they, by strength of hand Their bonds, and cast from us, no more to wear, Their twisted cords: He, who in heaven doth dwell, Shall laugh; the Lord shall scoff them; then severe Speak to them in his wrath, and in his fell And fierce ire trouble them; but E, saith he, On Sion my holy' hill. I will declare the Lord to me hath said, Thou art my Son, I have begotten thee This day; ask of me, and the grant is made; As thy possession I on thee bestow The Heathen; and as thy conquest to be sway'd, Earth's utmost bounds: them shalt thou bring full low With iron sceptre bruis'd, and them disperse PSALM III. [August 9, 1653.] When he fled from Absalom LORD, how many are my foes! How many those That in arms against me rise! That of my life distrustfully thus say; Th' exalter of my head I count ;, Unto Jehovah, he full soon replied, Was the Lord. Of many millions The populous rout I fear not, though encamping round about, On the cheek-bone, all my foes; Of men abhorr'd Hast broke the teeth. This help was from the Thy blessing on thy people flows. [Lord; PSALM IV. [August 10, 1653.] ANSWER me when I call, And set at large; now spare, Now pity me, and hear my earnest prayer. Great ones, how long will ye My glory have in scorn? How long be thus forborne Still to love vanity? To love, to seek, to prize Things false and vain, and nothing else but lies? Yet know, the Lord hath chose, Chose to bimself apart, The good and meek of heart; (For whom to choose he knows) Jehovah from on high Will hear my voice, what time to him I cry. Be awed, and do not sin; Speak to your hearts alone, Upon your beds, each one, |