We look'd on this side of thee, shooting short; Where we did find The shells of fledge souls left behind, Dry dust, which sheds no tears, but may extort. But since our Saviour's death did put some blood Into thy face: Thou art grown fair and full of grace, Much in request, much sought for, as a good. For we do now behold thee gay and glad, When souls shall wear their new array, Therefore we can go die as sleep, and trust Unto an honest faithful grave; DOOMSDAY. COME away, Summon all the dust to rise, Till it stir, and rub the eyes; While this member jogs the other, Each one whispering, Live you, brother? Come away, Make this the day. Dust, alas! no music feels, 198 THE TEMPLE. But thy trumpet: then it kneels, Come away, O make no stay! Let the graves make their confession, Come away, Thy flock doth stray. Some to the winds their body lend, Come away, Man is out of order hurl'd, Parcell'd out to all the world. JUDGMENT. ALMIGHTY Judge, how shall poor wretches brook Able a heart of iron to appal, When thou shalt call For every man's peculiar book? What others mean to do, I know not well Yet I hear tell, That some will turn thee to some leaves therein That they in merit shall excel. But I resolve, when thou shalt call for mine, And thrust a Testament into thy hand : There thou shalt find my faults are thine. HEAVEN. O WHO will show me those delights on high? Есно. Thou Echo, thou art mortal, all men know. Есно. I. No. Wert thou not born among the trees and leaves? Есно. And are there any leaves, that still abide? Есно. Leaves. Bide. What leaves are they? impart the matter wholly. Есно. Are holy leaves the Echo then of bliss? Есно. Holy. Yes. Light. Then tell me, what is that supreme delight? ECHO. Light to the mind: what shall the will enjoy? But are there cares and business with the pleasure? Light, joy, and leisure; but shall they persever? LOVE. LOVE bade me welcome; yet my soul drew back, But quick-eyed Love, observing me grow slack Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning, A guest, I answer'd, worthy to be here : I the unkind, ungrateful? Ah, my dear, Love took my hand, and smiling did reply, Truth, Lord, but I have marr'd them: let my shame Go where it doth deserve. And know you not, says Love, who bore the blame? My dear, then I will serve. You must sit down, says Love, and taste my meat: So I did sit and eat. FINIS. Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace, good-will towards men. THE CHURCH MILITANT. ALMIGHTY Lord, who from thy glorious throne The smallest Ant or Atom knows thy power, The course was westward, that the sun might light As well our understanding as our sight. Where th' Ark did rest, there Abraham began To bring the other Ark from Canaan. Moses pursued this: but King Solomon Finish'd and fix'd the old religion. |